The National Council of State has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His nomination was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Council’s meeting on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.
Professor Amupitan, a distinguished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria from the North-Central geo-political zone, is set to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025 after serving since 2015.
President Tinubu described the nominee as “a man of proven integrity and competence”, noting that he is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the prestigious electoral position. The President also stressed that Professor Amupitan is non-partisan and brings decades of legal and administrative experience to the role.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State welcomed the decision, saying the nominee has “an impeccable record of service and character”.
As required by the Nigerian Constitution, President Tinubu will forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
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Profile of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
• Age: 58
• Origin: Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State
• Current Position: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos
• Academic Background:
• LL.B – University of Jos (1987)
• Called to the Nigerian Bar – 1988
• LL.M – University of Jos (1993)
• PhD in Law – University of Jos (2007)
• Areas of Specialization: Company Law, Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law
• Professional Recognition: Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 2014
Professor Amupitan began his academic career in 1989 after his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he has held key academic leadership positions at the University of Jos, including:
• Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014)
• Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014)
• Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008)
He has also served nationally, including as a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014) and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. In the private sector, he sits on the board of Integrated Dairies Limited, Jos, and previously served on the board of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004).
A prolific legal scholar, Professor Amupitan is the author of several influential law textbooks, including:
• Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
• Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
• Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
• Principles of Company Law (2013)
• Introduction to the Law of Trusts in Nigeria (2014)
He is married and blessed with four children.
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Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
October 9, 2025