Nigeria’s National Council of State (NCS) has unanimously given its approval to the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the retirement of the former chairman. Statement from the presidency on Thursday confirms the candidate was nominated by president bola Ahmed Tinubu on. Professor Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is set to take over the mantle of the electoral body from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure concludes in October 2025 after a decade in office (2015-2025).
According to statement from Mr. Bayo Onanuga presidential spokesman, President Tinubu reportedly championed the nomination, noting that “Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State (North-Central) to be nominated for the position”, and affirmed his suitability by describing him as entirely “apolitical.” He noted.
The Council of State, a high-level advisory body comprising the President, Vice President, former Presidents, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all State Governors, gave its swift and unanimous endorsement.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo(kogi state governor) specifically praised the nominee, citing him as “a man of integrity.”
Following this approval, the next and final constitutional requirement is for President Tinubu to forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, a process that is anticipated to commence shortly.
Professor Amupitan, who hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State, currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he also functions as a Professor of Law.
His academic background, coupled with his administrative experience, is viewed by supporters as essential for navigating the complex legal and administrative challenges inherent in leading Nigeria’s electoral body.
