President Bola Tinubu on Thursday explained that his choice of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was based on the nominee’s apolitical disposition, integrity, and long record of professional service.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the National Council of State that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the position.
The President made the remarks at the State House, Abuja, during the meeting of the National Council of State, which unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose ten-year tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday.
Council members, including serving and former leaders, were said to have expressed confidence in Amupitan’s integrity and competence.
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, described the nominee as “a man whose track record reflects a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”
Following the council’s endorsement, the President is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Born 58 years ago in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
A graduate of the University of Jos, where he obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law, Amupitan was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014 and has written extensively on company law, corporate governance, and evidence law.
His notable works 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, Amupitan has served on several boards, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.
He was also a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja, between 1996 and 2004.Described by colleagues as a “jurist of quiet influence,” the Kogi-born scholar is married with four children.
Once confirmed by the Senate, he will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman.