The National Council of State has officially approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirming SaharaReporters’ exclusive report earlier in the week.
According to the Presidency, the appointment was presented to the Council of State during a meeting convened by the President on Thursday. Following a unanimous decision, the Council gave its full backing to the nomination.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development in an official statement. He noted that the President described Amupitan as “apolitical” and the first nominee from Kogi State to occupy the INEC top position.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State praised Amupitan during the meeting, calling him “a man of integrity and deep legal insight.” With the Council’s endorsement, Tinubu is expected to forward the nominee’s name to the Senate for screening in accordance with constitutional requirements.
About Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan, 58, is a distinguished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
He holds degrees from the Kwara State Polytechnic (1984), the University of Jos (LL.B., 1987; LL.M., 1993; PhD, 2007), and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. His academic journey began in 1989 after his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.
Amupitan has served in several key roles at the University of Jos, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014) and Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014). He has also served on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, Riss Oil Limited, and the Council of Legal Education.
A prolific legal author, his works include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), and Principles of Company Law (2013). His areas of specialization include Company Law, Corporate Governance, Evidence Law, and Privatisation Law.
He is married and blessed with four children.
Key Takeaways
- The Council of State has approved Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as INEC Chairman.
- He succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu after 10 years in office.
- Amupitan is a longtime legal counsel and kinsman of Senator Dino Melaye.
- President Tinubu will now forward his name to the Senate for screening.
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