.jpg)
Features
Amupitan to be sworn In as New INEC chairman amid calls for electoral reforms
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
23 Oct 2025 07:40 AM
In a pivotal moment for Nigeria's democracy, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) is expected to be officially sworn in today as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Prof. Mahmood Yakubu whose decade-long tenure ended earlier this month.
The ceremony, to be presided over by President Bola Tinubu in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, will mark the beginning of a new era for the electoral body as it gears up for upcoming polls, including the high-stakes Anambra State governorship election on November 8.
Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, brings a wealth of academic and legal expertise to the role. Born on April 25, 1967, he graduated top of his class from the University of Jos, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees in law.
He joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer in 1989, rising to become Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008), and currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Conferred with the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2014, Amupitan has also held key positions outside academia, including Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, and board roles at organizations like Integrated Dairies Limited and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
President Tinubu nominated Amupitan on October 9, highlighting his apolitical stance, integrity, and status as the first nominee from Kogi State and the North-Central region for the position. The National Council of State unanimously approved the nomination the same day, paving the way for Senate screening.
On October 16, the Senate confirmed him via a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a rigorous session where Amupitan pledged to foster elections where "losers congratulate winners" and emphasized transparency in the process.
Amupitan will assumes office at a critical juncture, with INEC facing scrutiny over the upcoming Anambra election and broader reforms under the Electoral Act 2022.
Meanwhile, Amupitan will hold his first meeting with the Commission’s Directors immediately after his official swearing-in.
According to a statement by Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director of Publicity, on behalf of the Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), the meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Conference Hall of INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
This inaugural meeting marks Amupitan’s first official interaction with the Commission’s senior officials following his assumption of office, as it is expected to outline his leadership vision and immediate priorities as INEC gears up for upcoming electoral activities nationwide.
The ceremony, to be presided over by President Bola Tinubu in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, will mark the beginning of a new era for the electoral body as it gears up for upcoming polls, including the high-stakes Anambra State governorship election on November 8.
Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, brings a wealth of academic and legal expertise to the role. Born on April 25, 1967, he graduated top of his class from the University of Jos, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees in law.
He joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer in 1989, rising to become Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008), and currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Conferred with the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2014, Amupitan has also held key positions outside academia, including Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, and board roles at organizations like Integrated Dairies Limited and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
President Tinubu nominated Amupitan on October 9, highlighting his apolitical stance, integrity, and status as the first nominee from Kogi State and the North-Central region for the position. The National Council of State unanimously approved the nomination the same day, paving the way for Senate screening.
On October 16, the Senate confirmed him via a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a rigorous session where Amupitan pledged to foster elections where "losers congratulate winners" and emphasized transparency in the process.
Amupitan will assumes office at a critical juncture, with INEC facing scrutiny over the upcoming Anambra election and broader reforms under the Electoral Act 2022.
Meanwhile, Amupitan will hold his first meeting with the Commission’s Directors immediately after his official swearing-in.
According to a statement by Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director of Publicity, on behalf of the Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), the meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Conference Hall of INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
This inaugural meeting marks Amupitan’s first official interaction with the Commission’s senior officials following his assumption of office, as it is expected to outline his leadership vision and immediate priorities as INEC gears up for upcoming electoral activities nationwide.
Comments