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). The approval came after President Bola Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name during the Council’s meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that Amupitan’s nomination follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure, which ended in October 2025.
President Tinubu, while introducing the nominee, described Amupitan as an apolitical figure and the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central region to be nominated for the nation’s top electoral position. The President also praised his distinguished academic and professional record, saying he embodies the integrity and competence required to lead the electoral body.
The Council members reportedly gave unanimous support to the nomination. Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, described the nominee as “a man of integrity” and commended the President’s choice.
“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening,” it stated.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014. He obtained his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He later earned his LL.M from the same institution in 1993 and completed his PhD in 2007.
After his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation between 1988 and 1989, Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989.
He has served in several notable capacities at the university, 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 academia, he serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a former member of the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014), and a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Also, he was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Professor Amupitan is also a prolific author, with notable works such as 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
