National Council of State Unanimously Endorses Professor Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination during the council meeting, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.

According to the President, Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position. He described the nominee as “apolitical” and “eminently qualified” for the role.

Council members reportedly endorsed the nomination without objection. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State commended the choice, describing Amupitan as a man of integrity and sound judgment.

In accordance with constitutional procedure, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation.

Born on April 25, 1967, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), he also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the institution and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

A respected academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) since 2014, Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Corporate Governance, Privatisation Law, and Law of Evidence. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Jos in 1987, was called to the Bar in 1988, and later earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the same university.

Throughout his career, he has held several administrative positions at UNIJOS, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014) and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014). Beyond academia, he has served on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education.

Professor Amupitan is the author of several notable law texts, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).

He is married and blessed with four children.

Source: Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy).