Features
Prof Amupitan succeeds Yakubu as New INEC Chairman
Written By: Editor
09 Oct 2025 02:25 PM
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Council of State has unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement was made following a presentation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a council meeting, where Amupitan was nominated to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
President Tinubu highlighted Amupitan’s apolitical stance and noted that he is the first individual from Kogi State in the North-Central region to be nominated for this critical role.
The nomination received widespread support from council members, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising Amupitan as a man of integrity.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A distinguished legal scholar, he is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Amupitan was conferred the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.
His academic journey began at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), followed by a law degree from the University of Jos (1984–1987).
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and later earned an LLM (1993) and a PhD (2007) from the University of Jos.
Amupitan’s career in academia spans over three decades, during which he has held significant roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014) and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014) at the University of Jos.
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served on various boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014). He is also a prolific author, with notable works such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation. If confirmed, Amupitan will lead INEC in overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes, a role critical to the nation’s democratic framework.
Amupitan is married with four children.
The announcement was made following a presentation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a council meeting, where Amupitan was nominated to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
President Tinubu highlighted Amupitan’s apolitical stance and noted that he is the first individual from Kogi State in the North-Central region to be nominated for this critical role.
The nomination received widespread support from council members, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praising Amupitan as a man of integrity.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A distinguished legal scholar, he is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Amupitan was conferred the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.
His academic journey began at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), followed by a law degree from the University of Jos (1984–1987).
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and later earned an LLM (1993) and a PhD (2007) from the University of Jos.
Amupitan’s career in academia spans over three decades, during which he has held significant roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014) and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014) at the University of Jos.
Beyond academia, Amupitan has served on various boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014). He is also a prolific author, with notable works such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation. If confirmed, Amupitan will lead INEC in overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes, a role critical to the nation’s democratic framework.
Amupitan is married with four children.
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