Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 to October 2025.
The nomination received unanimous approval from members of the National Council of State during its meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.
Announcing the decision, President Tinubu described Amupitan as “an apolitical individual of integrity and competence,” noting that he is the first person from Kogi State, in the North-Central zone, to be nominated for the position.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGovernor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who attended the meeting, hailed the choice, describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity and deep intellect who will bring credibility and discipline to the nation’s electoral system.”
In line with constitutional provisions, the President is expected to transmit 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 is a distinguished scholar and legal practitioner. He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, where he has spent over three decades in academia.
READ ALSO: Yakubu’s Decade at INEC Ends as Tinubu Names Acting Chair, Confers National Honour
Nigerians Embrace INEC’s Tech Reforms but Doubt Election Credibility
He holds an LL.B, LL.M, and PhD from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. A respected authority in Corporate Law, Evidence Law, and Governance, Amupitan became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014.
Over the course of his academic career, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at UNIJOS. He also chairs the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served on key national legal and educational bodies, including the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.
He is the author of several legal texts, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria.
With his nomination, Amupitan is set to become the country’s chief electoral umpire pending Senate confirmation.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the nomination in an official statement on Thursday.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
