Why I Chose Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman – Tinubu

• President Bola Tinubu has explained that his choice of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new INEC Chairman was based on his integrity, apolitical stance, and proven record of service.

• Tinubu made the remark at the National Council of State meeting in Abuja, where members unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that his nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was based on his integrity, non-partisan stance, and impeccable record of service.

Speaking at the National Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu said Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State in North-Central Nigeria to be nominated for the country’s top electoral position.

The council unanimously endorsed Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose 10-year tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday.

Why Tinubu Chose Amupitan

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President praised Amupitan as “apolitical and a man of integrity,” stressing that his track record makes him suitable to lead Nigeria’s electoral body at a critical time.

Council members, including current and former leaders, also backed the nomination. Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, described Amupitan as a man whose career “reflects a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”

Following the council’s approval, Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional requirements.

Profile of Prof. Joash Amupitan

• Age: 58
• State of Origin: Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State
• Current Role: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos
• Other Position: Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Joseph Ayo Babalola University

Amupitan earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos after earlier studies at the Kwara State Polytechnic.

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He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014. His academic career spans over three decades, during which he authored several influential books on law, including:

• Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)
• Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008)
• Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013)
• Principles of Company Law (2013)

Career Beyond Academia

Outside the classroom, Amupitan has served on various boards, including:

• Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
• Council of Legal Education
• Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom
• Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004)

Colleagues describe him as “a jurist of quiet influence.” He is married with four children.

Next Step

Once confirmed by the Senate, Professor Amupitan will officially become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman, tasked with steering the country’s electoral process into a new era.