The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His nomination was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the completion of tenure by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has served as INEC Chairman since 2015.
Professor Amupitan, a distinguished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He becomes the first Kogi-born nominee to be considered for the leadership of the electoral commission.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan began his educational journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, before proceeding to the University of Jos (UNIJOS), where he obtained his LL.B (Law) degree in 1987. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his Barrister-at-Law (B.L) program at the Nigerian Law School.
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He further obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1993 and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law from the University of Jos in 2007.
Distinguished Academic and Professional Career
Professor Amupitan began his teaching career at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer after completing his national youth service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks — becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.
He has served in several key administrative positions within the university, including:
- Head of Department, Public Law
- Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)
- Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration)
In December 2023, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State.
Legal Expertise and Recognition
A recognized authority in Nigerian legal scholarship, Amupitan was conferred the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014. His core areas of specialization include Company and Corporate Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatization Law.
He has contributed extensively to legal research, particularly in electoral law reform, petroleum law, and corporate governance, and has supervised numerous postgraduate students at master’s and doctoral levels.
Nomination as INEC Chairman
Professor Amupitan’s nomination as INEC Chairman comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s electoral process. President Tinubu described him as an “erudite scholar and seasoned administrator whose integrity and professionalism are beyond question.”
The National Council of State reportedly gave a unanimous approval of his nomination, which will now be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Political observers have lauded the choice, describing Professor Amupitan as apolitical, intellectually grounded, and administratively experienced — qualities that could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral management body.
Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and the couple is blessed with four children.
If confirmed, he will succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s pursuit of credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections.
