President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long tenure. The appointment was unanimously approved by the National Council of State, marking a historic moment as Amupitan becomes the first nominee from Kogi State to lead Nigeria’s electoral body.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
President Tinubu described Amupitan as “apolitical and a man of integrity,” expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system. The nomination now awaits Senate confirmation, in line with constitutional provisions.