President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The nomination was approved by the National Council of State during its meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The appointment follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, who led the electoral body from 2015 until October 2025.
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According to the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Amupitan as “a man of integrity and professionalism,” noting that he is the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central region to be nominated for the position.
The President emphasized that the nominee’s non-partisan disposition, competence, and credibility make him well-suited to advance Nigeria’s electoral system.
Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, praising the choice, saying, “Professor Amupitan is a man of integrity whose credentials speak for themselves.”
In accordance with constitutional provisions, the President will forward the nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan currently serves as a Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
A distinguished scholar and SAN since 2014, Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Corporate Governance, Law of Evidence, and Privatisation Law. He obtained his LLB and LLM degrees from the University of Jos in 1987 and 1993, respectively, and earned his PhD in Law from the same institution in 2007.
His academic journey began in 1989 after his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he has held several administrative roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State and sits on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education.
He is also the author of several widely referenced legal books, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.
 from Kogi State as the new INEC Chairman, following the approval of the National Council of State and pending Senate confirmation.){kind=link}