Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) Approved by National Council of State as New INEC Chairman

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) has been officially approved by the National Council of State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following an extensive deliberation at the State House in Abuja on Friday. The appointment, which comes after the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, signifies a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral governance.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, a distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and presented to the Council for consideration. After a robust evaluation process, the Council unanimously endorsed his nomination, citing his outstanding academic credentials, professional integrity, and deep understanding of constitutional law as qualities befitting the nation’s chief electoral officer.

The National Council of State, chaired by President Tinubu, expressed confidence that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment would strengthen INEC’s institutional independence, restore voter confidence, and advance the Commission’s mission to deliver transparent, credible, and inclusive elections across Nigeria.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan Tasked with Strengthening Electoral Integrity

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, in accepting the Council’s approval, was urged to focus on the critical task of rebuilding public trust in the electoral system. Members of the National Council of State emphasized the importance of upholding integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in all INEC operations. They noted that his extensive background in law and governance positions him as an ideal leader to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s electoral challenges.

During the meeting, President Tinubu described Prof. Amupitan as “a man of intellect, discipline, and impeccable ethical standards,” adding that his appointment reflects a deliberate effort to inject credibility and accountability into the electoral process. Tinubu further emphasized that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC must pursue technological innovation, institutional transparency, and stronger collaboration with civil society.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan was also commended by several members for his consistent advocacy for constitutional order and democratic consolidation. His colleagues in academia and the legal community hailed his appointment as a “merit-based selection,” capable of steering INEC toward reforms that ensure elections are free from manipulation, irregularities, and undue political interference.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan Awaits Senate Confirmation After Council Approval

Following his endorsement, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan’s nomination will now be forwarded to the Senate for final confirmation, as required by the Nigerian Constitution. Once confirmed, he will officially assume office as the new INEC Chairman, overseeing electoral activities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Political analysts have described the appointment as a timely move, given the need to consolidate electoral reforms and address concerns raised after the 2023 general elections. Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, they argue, offers an opportunity to rebuild INEC’s credibility and reinforce Nigeria’s democratic reputation within Africa and beyond.

Before his nomination, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan served as a professor of law at the University of Jos and earned national recognition for his expertise in constitutional and public law. His elevation to INEC Chairmanship has been widely received with optimism, with many observers expecting him to prioritize fairness, operational efficiency, and digital transparency in the Commission’s next phase of reforms.