By Sodiq Adelakun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that his decision to appoint Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was based on the appointee’s integrity, neutrality, and distinguished record in public service.
Speaking during Thursday’s meeting of the National Council of State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said the nomination of Professor Amupitan marked “a decisive step toward restoring full public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.”
According to a statement signed by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Professor Amupitan becomes the first person from Kogi State, in the North-Central region, to be nominated for the position.
“Amupitan is a man of integrity and sound judgment. His appointment reflects our commitment to transparency, competence, and national balance in the conduct of elections,” President Tinubu reportedly told the Council.
The Council of State, which comprises former Presidents, Heads of State, serving governors, and key national officers, unanimously endorsed the nomination after deliberations on the President’s presentation. Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, described Professor Amupitan as “a man whose track record reflects commitment to justice, fairness, and nation-building.”
In a statement issued after the meeting, Mr Onanuga confirmed that the President would forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Born on 25 April 1967 in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He also chairs the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014, his areas of expertise include Company Law, Law of Evidence, and Corporate Governance.
Beyond academia, the new INEC Chairman has served on several boards, including the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and Integrated Dairies Limited.
If confirmed by the Senate, Professor Amupitan will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose 10-year tenure ended earlier this month.