President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a respected law scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
If confirmed by the Senate, the 58-year-old academic will become the first native of Kogi State in north-central Nigeria to lead the country’s electoral body.
His nomination was confirmed by the National Council of State on Thursday.
Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Amupitan as “apolitical,” noting that his appointment reflected a commitment to professionalism and integrity in the management of Nigeria’s elections.
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“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening,” Onanuga said.
Amupitan, currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Jos, has spent over three decades in academia and legal practice.
His scholarly work covers public law, corporate governance, privatisation, and the law of evidence.
He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014 in recognition of his contributions to legal education and the profession.
Beyond his academic career, Amupitan is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the National Association of Law Teachers.
His appointment comes at a time of growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral processes, following widespread criticism of past elections and public demand for improved transparency, technological reliability, and faster announcement of results.
Observers say the incoming INEC chair will face immediate pressure to strengthen public confidence in the country’s voting system and to ensure the credibility of future elections.
Opposition parties have urged Amupitan to uphold independence and fairness in his new role.
Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said his party would “give him the benefit of doubt based on his track record,” but urged him to “look beyond the interest of those who have appointed him.”
Similarly, Timothy Osadolor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) toldThe Punchnewspaper that Amupitan must prioritise electoral reforms that “reinforce and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.”
“The fate of over 200 million Nigerians rests on his shoulders,” he said.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however, welcomed the nomination, describing Amupitan as the “perfect choice” to lead the electoral commission.
If confirmed, Amupitan’s first major assignment will be to oversee the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for next month — a contest widely seen as an early test of his leadership and Nigeria’s readiness for electoral reform.