Abuja, 9 October 2025 – The National Council of State has given unanimous approval to the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), paving the way for a significant leadership transition at the nation’s electoral body.
The decision came during a meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, who presented Professor Amupitan as his nominee to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Professor Yakubu’s tenure, which began in 2015, concluded in October 2025. President Tinubu highlighted Amupitan’s credentials, noting that the 58-year-old legal expert from Kogi State in the North-Central region would be the first individual from that geopolitical zone to lead INEC. He described the nominee as “apolitical,” emphasising his impartiality and suitability for the role.
Council members endorsed the nomination without dissent. Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo praised Amupitan as “a man of integrity,” underscoring the broad support for the choice.
In accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, President Tinubu will now forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation. If approved, Amupitan is expected to assume the position amid ongoing preparations for future elections.
Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) since 2014, currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Jos, where he has been a faculty member since 1989. His academic expertise lies in Company Law, Evidence, and Corporate Governance, fields that have earned him recognition as a leading scholar in Nigerian jurisprudence.
This appointment comes at a pivotal time for INEC, as the commission continues to navigate challenges related to electoral integrity and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the Senate deliberates on the nomination in the coming weeks.
