President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and distinguished scholar from the University of Jos, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in what many describe as a strategic step toward deepening electoral integrity and inclusiveness.
The nomination, which received unanimous backing from the National Council of State on Wednesday, marks a historic moment — Amupitan becomes the first person from Kogi State to be considered for the top electoral job.
Presenting his name to the Council, President Tinubu said Amupitan embodies the balance of intellect, integrity, and impartiality required to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process after nearly a decade of leadership under Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025.
“He is apolitical, widely respected in both legal and academic circles, and has consistently demonstrated commitment to institutional fairness,” the President said.
Council members endorsed the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity and character, whose appointment will restore confidence in electoral governance.”
In accordance with constitutional provisions, Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
Aged 58, Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A Professor of Law and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, he also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Specialising in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law, Amupitan was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014. He earned his LL.B, LL.M, and PhD from the University of Jos between 1987 and 2007.
Beginning his academic career in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation, he has held several key leadership positions — including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and Head of the Department of Public Law.
Beyond academia, Amupitan has contributed to national development through service on various boards, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited.
He is the author of several authoritative works, notably Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008) and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013). He is married with four children.
If confirmed, Amupitan will be expected to steer the electoral body through the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey — one marked by demands for greater transparency, technological innovation, and public trust.