President Bola Tinubu has stated that his nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was driven by the nominee’s integrity, non-partisan disposition, and distinguished record of service to the nation.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu informed members of the National Council of State that Amupitan, from Kogi State in North-Central Nigeria, is the first person from the state to be nominated for the country’s highest electoral office.
The Council, which comprises serving and former leaders of the nation, met on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, and unanimously confirmed Amupitan’s nomination to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose 10-year tenure concluded on Tuesday.
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, lauded the nomination, describing Professor Amupitan as “a man whose life’s work embodies integrity, scholarship, and commitment to national service.”
Following the Council’s endorsement, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, as required by the Constitution.
Born in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the 58-year-old scholar is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos after initial studies at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan has authored several notable publications, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
He has also served on various boards, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited.
Renowned as a “jurist of quiet influence,” Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children. Upon Senate confirmation, he will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman.