Yemi Obafemi
The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central region as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of Amupitan as his nominee to fill the vacant position left by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025 after serving since 2015.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu informed the council that Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State in the North-Central zone to be nominated for the position and described him as apolitical.
According to the statement, council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.
In line with constitutional provisions, the President will forward the nominee’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Professor Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also earned his degrees. His areas of specialisation include Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
