Council of State Endorses Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

 The National Council of State has unanimously approved the nomination of Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the end of Prof Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 58-year-old legal scholar during the council’s meeting, revealing that Amupitan is the first nominee for the INEC chairmanship to emerge from Kogi State in the North-Central region. 

Tinubu described the nominee as non-partisan and eminently qualified to lead the nation’s electoral body.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who spoke in support of the nomination, praised Amupitan as a man of integrity with a strong track record in public service and academia.

In line with constitutional requirements, the President will formally forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Prof Amupitan is a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

His academic journey began at Kwara State Polytechnic (1982–1984), followed by the University of Jos (1984–1987). 

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, earned his Master’s degree in Law (LLM) in 1993, and completed his PhD in 2007. He joined the University of Jos in 1989, shortly after his National Youth Service in Bauchi.

Over the years, Amupitan has held several leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and Head of the Department of Public Law.

Outside the university system, he has served on the boards of major institutions such as Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education.

A SAN since 2014, Amupitan is also a prolific author, with several notable publications on corporate governance, evidence law, and company law.

He is married and blessed with four children.