- Tinubu Explains Choice of Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman
- Amupitan holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos
- Professor Joash Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday revealed that his nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was based on the nominee’s integrity, non-partisan disposition, and impeccable record of service.
Speaking during the National Council of State meeting at the State House, Abuja, the President noted that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the country’s top electoral position.
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According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu emphasised that the nominee’s reputation for fairness and professionalism made him the ideal choice to lead the commission.
“President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, a North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical,” the statement read.
The council, which comprises serving and former presidents, vice-presidents, governors, and key national figures, unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended on Tuesday after ten years in office.
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, described Amupitan as “a man of proven character whose track record reflects deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”
With the council’s endorsement, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in accordance with the Constitution.
Aged 58, Professor Joash Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Amupitan holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
His distinguished legal and academic career spans over three decades, during which he has contributed significantly to legal scholarship and governance.
He attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and is widely recognised for his expertise in corporate governance, company law, and evidence law. His major publications 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)
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served on several corporate and legal boards, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.
Described by colleagues as “a jurist of quiet influence,” the Kogi-born scholar is married with four children.
Upon confirmation by the Senate, Professor Amupitan will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman.
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