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). He was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Council’s meeting at the Aso Villa.
Amupitan’s nomination follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Amupitan as “apolitical” and a man of integrity, noting that he is the first person from Kogi State (North-Central) to be nominated for the role. His nomination was unanimously endorsed by Council members, including Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State.
In line with constitutional procedures, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Who is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Born: April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State
Current Role: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos
Also Serves As: Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State
Academic Background:
LLB, University of Jos (1987)
Called to Bar (1988)
LLM, University of Jos (1993)
PhD in Law (2007)
Specialisation: Company Law, Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, Privatisation Law
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN): Conferred in 2014
Career Highlights:
Head of Public Law, Dean of Law Faculty, and Chairman of Committee of Deans at UNIJOS
Member of Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and board member of Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom
Former board member, Riss Oil Ltd, Abuja (1996–2004)
Publications:
Prof. Amupitan is a respected author in the legal field with notable works 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)
Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)