President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that his choice of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was driven by the nominee’s integrity, non-partisan character, and distinguished record of service.

Speaking during the National Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said the appointment represents a fresh step toward strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

 “Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, a North-Central state, to be nominated for this position, and he is apolitical,” the President said.

The Council of State, comprising serving and former national leaders, unanimously endorsed the nomination, commending Amupitan’s reputation for honesty, scholarship, and professionalism.

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State described the appointee as “a man whose track record reflects deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”

Following the Council’s endorsement, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

Aged 58, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also chairs the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

A distinguished scholar and jurist, Amupitan obtained his LL.B, LL.M, and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Jos after earlier studies at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has combined teaching, administration, and boardroom experience with notable contributions to corporate and legal governance. His major publications include:

Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).

Beyond academia, he has served on several national and corporate boards, including the Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Integrated Dairies Limited, and Riss Oil Limited.

Widely regarded by colleagues as “a jurist of quiet influence,” Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children. Upon Senate confirmation, he will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose 10-year tenure ended earlier this week.