President Bola Tinubu has defended his decision to nominate Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing the professor’s integrity, non-partisan stance, and distinguished record in public service.
Addressing the National Council of State at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu noted that Amupitan is the first nominee from Kogi State to be put forward for the role, and that his choice received unanimous support from council members, including former and current national leaders.
A statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as describing Amupitan as “apolitical” with “an impeccable service record.” Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo also endorsed the nomination, praising Amupitan’s career as a reflection of justice, scholarship, and national commitment.
Following the council’s backing, the President is expected to formally forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation, in line with constitutional procedure.
Born in Ayetoro Gbede in Kogi State, 58-year-old Amupitan currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and is also Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
A lawyer by training, he holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in law from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014, he is also a published scholar with works in company law, corporate governance, and evidence law.
Amupitan has served on several national boards and is widely regarded within legal and academic circles as a jurist of quiet influence. He is married with four children. If confirmed by the Senate, he will succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman.
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