President Bola Tinubu is poised to announce Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, according to emerging reports.
Barring any last-minute changes, Prof. Amupitan is expected to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose 10-year tenure spanning two terms is set to expire in November 2025. Yakubu was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015.
According to Sahara Reporters, the appointment is expected to be formalized when President Tinubu convenes a meeting of the Council of State on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.
Prof. Amupitan brings over 34 years of academic and professional experience to the potential appointment. A native of Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State, he is married to Dr. Yemisi Amupitan, and they have four children.
His academic career began in 1989 at the University of Jos, where he started as an Assistant Lecturer. He steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming a Reader in 2003 and attaining the position of Professor of Law in 2008.
Throughout his career, Amupitan has held numerous administrative positions at the University of Jos, including Head of Department of Public Law, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and member of the University’s Governing Council. He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the institution.
Beyond his university roles, he has served on the Governing Councils of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education. In December 2023, he was inaugurated as the second Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
Prof. Amupitan obtained his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. He earned a Master of Law degree in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007, both from the University of Jos. In 2014, he received the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession.
His areas of expertise include the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the National Association of Law Teachers.
If confirmed, Prof. Amupitan will assume leadership of INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections, taking on the critical responsibility of overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes during a pivotal period for the nation’s democracy.
