President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The nomination, announced on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has been confirmed by the National Council of State.

Amupitan’s appointment comes following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who had led the electoral body since 2015 and concluded his tenure in October 2025.

According to Onanuga, President Tinubu told the Council that Amupitan — who hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State — is the first person from Kogi (North-Central) to be nominated for the INEC chairmanship and described him as “apolitical and a man of integrity.”

The Council reportedly gave unanimous support to the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State praising Amupitan’s character and professional record.

In line with constitutional provisions, Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

👨‍⚖️ Who is Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN)?

Age: 58

State of Origin: Kogi State

Current Role: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos

Academic Background:

Attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984)

Obtained LLB (1987), LLM (1993), and PhD (2007) from the University of Jos

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988

Career: Joined the University of Jos in 1989; served as Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014); Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014); and Head of Public Law Department (2006–2008).

Professional Achievements: Became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.

Public Service & Board Roles:

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State

Board Member, Integrated Dairies Ltd, Vom

Former Council Member, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Council of Legal Education

Former Board Member, Riss Oil Ltd, Abuja

Publications:
Authored several legal texts including:

Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)

Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)

Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)

Principles of Company Law (2013)

An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)

He is married and blessed with four children.