The National Council of State has unanimously endorsed the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His appointment, put forward by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, follows the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025
Professor Amupitan, a distinguished academic and legal practitioner from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, becomes the first individual from Kogi, in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, to be nominated for the role. President Tinubu described him as apolitical and of impeccable character
The Council, comprising former heads of state, governors, and other key figures, gave its full backing to the nominee. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State praised Professor Amupitan as a man of integrity
In line with constitutional provisions, the President is expected to forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation
Born on April 25, 1967, Professor Amupitan is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he is also a Professor of Law.
An alumnus of the same university, he specialises in Company Law, the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014
His academic journey began at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), followed by a Law degree from the University of Jos (1984–1987). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He completed his Master of Laws (LLM) in 1993 and earned a PhD in 2007. His academic career commenced in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation
Beyond his current roles, Professor Amupitan has served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. At the University of Jos, he previously held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014), Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), and Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008)
His experience extends to corporate governance, having served on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom; Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004); the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council; and the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014)
A prolific author, Professor Amupitan has written several books, 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), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)
He is married and blessed with four children.