President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The President presented the nomination at the meeting of the National Council of State on Thursday, where members unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s appointment. The nomination follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure in October 2025, after serving as INEC Chairman since 2015.
President Tinubu described Amupitan as an apolitical and accomplished scholar who embodies integrity, competence, and commitment to national service. He noted that the nominee is the first individual from Kogi State in the North-Central zone to be considered for the role.
“Professor Amupitan’s track record in academia and law exemplifies the excellence, neutrality, and professionalism required to sustain public confidence in our electoral system,” President Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, speaking at the meeting, hailed the nomination as a well-deserved recognition, describing Amupitan as a man of integrity and intellect.
In compliance with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Professor Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State. He also serve as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
A renowned academic and legal expert, Amupitan became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014. His areas of specialisation included Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Born on April 25, 1967, he earned his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Bar in 1988. He obtained an LL.M in 1993 and a Ph.D. in 2007, both from the same university.
Amupitan began his academic career in 1989 at UNIJOS after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. He has held several leadership positions in the institution, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).
Beyond the university system, he has served on multiple boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, the Council of Legal Education, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council.
Amupitan has authored several notable legal texts, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
He is married and blessed with four children.
