Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set for a new chapter in its leadership following the nomination of distinguished legal scholar, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), as its new Chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The nomination, which was presented and unanimously approved by the National Council of State during its meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marks a historic moment, as Professor Amupitan becomes the first person from the North-Central region to hold the position.
His appointment follows the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. In the interim, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner, had overseen the affairs of the Commission in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive head.
President Tinubu described Professor Amupitan as an “apolitical and eminently qualified” choice, emphasizing his integrity, professionalism, and deep understanding of governance and law as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Professor Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with over three decades of experience in legal practice and academia. His expertise spans corporate governance, the law of evidence, and privatisation law. Prior to his nomination, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at UNIJOS, where he earned recognition for his leadership and administrative reform.
In line with constitutional procedures, President Tinubu will forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The nomination comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s electoral system, as INEC prepares for several off-cycle gubernatorial elections and begins early groundwork for the 2027 General Elections.
Observers from civil society and the political class have expressed optimism that Professor Amupitan’s appointment will bring renewed credibility, transparency, and institutional independence to the Commission’s operations.
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