The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The approval was announced on October 9, 2025, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman for a decade since 2015.
Professor Amupitan, a native of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, is the first person from Nigeria’s North-Central region to be nominated for this prestigious position. The President described him as “a man of integrity and a nonpartisan professional,” emphasizing his suitability to lead the electoral body.
At 58 years old, Amupitan is a well-respected legal scholar and practitioner. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. His academic and professional expertise includes company law, corporate governance, law of evidence, and privatization law.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State commended Amupitan’s "wealth of experience" and integrity, noting his appointment will strengthen Nigeria's electoral process. In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation following the Council's approval.