The National Council of State has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This decision comes in the wake of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s departure from the role.
During the meeting, President Tinubu highlighted Amupitan’s qualifications, noting that he is the first nominee from Kogi State for this important position. The council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising Amupitan as a man of integrity and commitment to public service.
Amupitan, who was born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, has a distinguished academic background. He completed his primary and secondary education before attending Kwara State Polytechnic and later the University of Jos, where he obtained his law degree. After being called to the bar in 1988, he embarked on a successful academic career, which has included various leadership roles at the University of Jos.
As a Professor of Law, Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. His extensive contributions to legal scholarship include over 50 published works, establishing him as a respected authority in his fields of expertise.
In addition to his academic roles, Amupitan has served on several boards, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing legal education in Nigeria.
With the council’s approval, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for the necessary screening and confirmation. If confirmed, he will take on the crucial responsibility of overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes as the 15th INEC chairman.