President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The nomination follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 until October 2025.
Tinubu described Amupitan as apolitical and a man of integrity, noting that he is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position. The National Council of State unanimously supported the choice, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising Amupitan’s character and leadership qualities.
In line with constitutional requirements, the President will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation. At 58, Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) since 2014.
He holds degrees from the University of Jos, including an LLM earned in 1993 and a PhD obtained in 2007. His academic journey began in 1989, after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he has become a respected scholar specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatization Law.
Currently, Amupitan serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. His leadership record includes serving as Dean of Law, Head of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at UNIJOS.
Beyond the university environment, he has contributed to several organizations, including the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and Integrated Dairies Limited. Amupitan is also an accomplished author with several law books to his name. He is married and blessed with four children.
