President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given insight into his decision to appoint Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The President made the clarification on Thursday during a Security Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, which was attended virtually by former Heads of State Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Tinubu Highlights Regional and Ethical Considerations
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President informed council members that Professor Amupitan, a distinguished legal scholar from Kogi State in North-Central Nigeria, is the first person from the state to be nominated for the top electoral position.
“President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, a North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical,” Onanuga said.
The statement further noted that the National Council of State unanimously approved Amupitan’s nomination, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit from the commission after serving from 2015 to October 2025.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, also present at the meeting, described Amupitan as “a man of integrity”, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the electoral body with transparency and professionalism.
Tinubu has since directed that Amupitan’s name be forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional requirements.
Profile of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, aged 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also earned his degrees.
He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), elevated to the rank in September 2014, and is recognised for his expertise in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Professor Amupitan has authored several highly regarded legal texts, including:
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Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
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Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
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Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
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Principles of Company Law (2013)
Beyond academia, he has served on notable boards and councils such as:
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Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom
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Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS)
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Council of Legal Education
Tinubu’s nomination of Amupitan reflects a balance of regional inclusion, professional competence, and integrity, as Nigeria prepares for future electoral reforms and the 2027 general elections.
