ABUJA / LAGOS — Reports are swirling that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, as of now, no formal appointment has been made, and the claim remains unverified.
What the Reports Say
SaharaReporters published an “exclusive” report stating that President Bola Tinubu is considering Prof. Amupitan as the next INEC Chairman, describing him as the “likely candidate” to replace Yakubu.
The article further claims that Tinubu has already directed Yakubu to proceed on leave ahead of his tenure’s expiration, and that Amupitan is part of the shortlist that may be submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
Other outlets have picked up the story, but largely echo the same narrative without new sourcing.
What Is Confirmed So Far
Prof. Amupitan is a bona fide legal academic. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and was conferred the SAN rank in 2014.
His name is being floated among stakeholders as a possible successor to Yakubu, whose current term is constitutionally due to expire in early December 2025.
The INEC chairmanship transition is already recognized as a significant turning point for Nigeria’s electoral management ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What Is Not Confirmed (and Why This Matters)
No official statement has been issued by the Presidency, INEC, or Yakubu himself confirming Amupitan’s appointment.
The constitutional process requires the President to nominate a candidate, followed by Senate confirmation. There is no public record at present of any such nomination.
Sources used by the media reports are described as “insider” or anonymous, which weakens their verifiability.
Legal/Procedural Context
Under Section 154(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, the President nominates elections officials (including the INEC Chairman).
More importantly, Section 157(1) dictates that a sitting Chairman may only be removed for cause via an address backed by two-thirds of the Senate, not by presidential fiat or mandate.
Therefore, even when Yakubu’s tenure ends, due process must be followed — Senate screening and confirmation remain indispensable.
What to Watch For
1. A formal nomination from the Presidency — likely to be submitted to the Senate in the coming days (if the reports are to be believed).
2. Statements from INEC or Yakubu’s office — either confirming, denying, or clarifying the media reports.
3. Senate screening and confirmation process — that will be the legal milestone.
4. Media corroboration from credible sources — leaks, official gazettes, or confirmation by government communications.
Conclusion:
While Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan SAN is being widely cited as the likely successor to Yakubu, these are speculations, not confirmed fact. Until the President and Senate act, the status remains tentative. Headlinenews.news will monitor developments and update this story as more credible information becomes available.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
