Council of State Approves Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

By Iyojo Ameh

The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan’s nomination during the Council meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The appointment is to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in Abuja.

President Tinubu described Professor Amupitan as “a man of integrity and impeccable character, who is not politically aligned,” noting that he is the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central region to be nominated for the position.

Members of the Council of State unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, praising Professor Amupitan’s competence and integrity. Ododo described him as “a man of honour, discipline, and deep commitment to national service.”

In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu will forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law and currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He also holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

A distinguished scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatization Law. He was elevated to the rank of SAN in September 2014.

His academic journey began at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Jos (1984–1987). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and later obtained his Master of Laws (LLM) in 1993 and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2007, both from the University of Jos.

After completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation (1988–1989), Amupitan joined the University of Jos as a lecturer in 1989. Over the years, he has held several key academic positions, including Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014); Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014); and Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008).

Beyond the academic sphere, Amupitan has served in various national and corporate capacities. He has held several strategic academic positions, including Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014); Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014); and Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008).

Outside academia, Professor Amupitan has contributed his expertise to national development through service on various boards and councils. These include the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014), and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom. He also served as a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004).

A prolific legal author, his notable publications include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.