President Bola Tinubu has revealed that his decision to nominate Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was informed by the professor’s apolitical disposition, integrity, and distinguished service record.
Speaking during Thursday’s meeting of the National Council of State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu described Amupitan as a “jurist of impeccable character,” adding that he is the first nominee for the INEC top job from Kogi State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the nomination was unanimously endorsed by members of the Council, which includes current and former national leaders.
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State praised the nominee, stating: “Amupitan’s career reflects a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and service to the nation.”
With the Council’s approval, Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation as required by the constitution.
Born in 1967 in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the institution and also doubles as Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), and a PhD in Law from the University of Jos.
Prior to that, he studied at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and rose through the academic ranks over the next three decades.
Recognized as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014, Amupitan is highly regarded in legal and academic circles.
His areas of expertise include company law, corporate governance and evidence law.
Amupitan has also held numerous leadership and advisory roles outside academia.
These include service on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education.
Between 1996 and 2004, he served on the board of Riss Oil Limited in Abuja.
Known for his quiet but impactful leadership, Amupitan is married and a father of four.
Pending Senate confirmation, he is set to become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose two-term tenure ended earlier this week.
