Council of State Unanimously Backs Kogi-born Legal Scholar; Senate Screening Next
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The National Council of State, at its meeting on Thursday, 9th October, 2025, unanimously approved the nomination, describing the renowned law professor as a man of integrity and impeccable professional record.
President Tinubu, who presented Amupitan to the council, noted that he is the first nominee from Kogi State to head the nation’s electoral umpire, emphasizing his non-partisan reputation and extensive experience in law, governance, and public service.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State hailed the appointment, saying it “reflects the President’s commitment to fairness and meritocracy.”
Following the Council’s endorsement, the President will transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional provisions.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and serves concurrently as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan is widely respected in academic and legal circles for his expertise in Company Law, Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatization Law.
He earned his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987 and called to the Bar in 1988, and obtained his LL.M and Ph.D. from the same university in 1993 and 2007 respectively.
His illustrious academic career began in 1989 and includes roles such as 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 the classroom, Amupitan has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.
An accomplished author, his published works 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.
With this appointment, he succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
