ADC Reacts to Tinubu’s Nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

• The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new INEC Chairman, saying it will give him the benefit of the doubt but urged him to prioritise loyalty to Nigerians.

• The party also challenged him to restore confidence in the nation’s electoral system and uphold integrity beyond political interests.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said it is prepared to give the newly nominated electoral umpire the benefit of the doubt but urged him to prioritise loyalty to Nigerians rather than the government of the day.

The statement, titled “ADC’s Preliminary Reaction to the Nomination of Professor Amupitan as New INEC Chairman”, stressed the need for the professor of law to restore credibility in Nigeria’s elections, which have faced growing concerns both at home and abroad.

“We are cautious. But we expect the new INEC Chairman to have a personal ambition to do better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in Nigerian elections.
He must understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government,” the ADC said.

The party noted that Prof. Amupitan’s tenure will span beyond a single electoral cycle, urging him to act with integrity, safeguard his legacy, and protect Nigeria’s democracy.

National Council of State Approval

On Thursday, the National Council of State approved President Tinubu’s nomination of Amupitan to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development, noting that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position. He also described the nominee as apolitical and a man of proven integrity.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State also endorsed the appointment, describing the law professor as a man of “unquestionable character.”

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The nomination will now be forwarded to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional requirements.

Who is Prof. Joash Amupitan?

Born on April 25, 1967, Prof. Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and currently serves as its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

He specialises in Company Law, Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.

Prof. Amupitan also holds an LLM (1993) and a PhD (2007) from UNIJOS. Beyond academia, he serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Looking Ahead

As the Senate prepares for his screening, stakeholders and political observers are watching closely to see if Prof. Amupitan will live up to expectations and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral integrity at a time when democratic institutions face growing scrutiny.