President Tinubu appoints Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman, citing integrity, neutrality, and strong commitment to credible electoral reforms in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new INEC Chairman, describing him as a man of impeccable integrity, proven professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to impartiality in public service.
The appointment was announced on Thursday during a National Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Tinubu’s nomination received unanimous endorsement from members of the council.
The President emphasized that Amupitan’s apolitical nature and long-standing reputation for fairness were major factors in his selection.
“Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State in North-Central Nigeria to be nominated as INEC Chairman.
“He is an academic and jurist whose career is defined by honesty and public accountability,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Council of State, which includes serving and former leaders, backed the appointment and commended President Tinubu’s decision to prioritize character and merit.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo praised the nominee’s competence, saying: “Professor Amupitan’s record reflects a deep commitment to justice, legal excellence, and national service. His leadership will strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.”
Following the endorsement, Tinubu is expected to transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Once confirmed, he will officially assume the role of INEC Chairman, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure ended earlier in the week.
At 58, Professor Joash Amupitan brings to the office of INEC Chairman a wealth of experience built over more than three decades in academia and law.
Born in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a renowned Professor of Law and currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, demonstrating his leadership in both administrative and academic spheres.
Amupitan obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos, after beginning his educational journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, marking the start of a distinguished career defined by discipline, scholarship, and national service.
Professor Amupitan’s expertise extends across company law, corporate governance, and evidence law, making him one of Nigeria’s most respected legal scholars.
In 2014, he earned the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession.
His published works — widely used by students, practitioners, and scholars — include:
Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
Principles of Company Law (2013)
These books are considered standard references in Nigerian universities and law schools, showcasing his influence in shaping legal education and governance studies nationwide.
Beyond academia, Amupitan has contributed to national development through numerous public service roles.
He has served on the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and corporate boards such as Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom and Riss Oil Limited, Abuja.
His involvement in these institutions reflects a consistent dedication to ethical governance and accountability. Colleagues describe him as a “jurist of quiet influence”, admired for his humility, intellect, and deep sense of responsibility.
These qualities, observers note, align perfectly with the expectations of the office of INEC Chairman, especially at a time when Nigeria’s democracy demands credible leadership and institutional trust.
The nomination of Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman has sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria’s political and civic circles.
Analysts believe his appointment represents an opportunity to restore confidence in the electoral process and deepen ongoing reforms within the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Civil society groups have also welcomed the move, describing it as a crucial step toward improving electoral credibility.
The Centre for Democratic Accountability (CDA), in a statement, commended President Tinubu for choosing “a professional rather than a politician” to lead the commission.
Political observers say Amupitan’s challenge will be to consolidate the technological reforms introduced by his predecessor, enhance voter registration processes, and ensure greater transparency in election management.
As one analyst put it, “The new INEC Chairman must rebuild public trust and guarantee that every vote truly counts.”
Married with four children, Professor Amupitan is known for his humility and mentorship of young legal minds. His colleagues describe him as a disciplined scholar and a man who values truth over convenience.
Throughout his career, he has emphasized fairness, due process, and the rule of law — principles that will now guide his leadership at INEC.
Upon Senate confirmation, Professor Amupitan will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman, inheriting a complex legacy but also an opportunity to steer the country’s electoral system toward greater credibility and inclusiveness.
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