10 Things To Know About New INEC Chairman-Designate, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan
The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025.
President Bola Tinubu announced Amupitan’s nomination during the Council’s meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, describing him as a man of integrity and competence. His appointment was warmly endorsed by all Council members, including governors and former heads of state.
Below are 10 key facts about the new INEC Chairman-designate:
1. Full Identity and Title:
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
2. Age and Origin:
He is 58 years old and hails from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, making him the first person from the state to be nominated for the INEC top job.
3. Educational Background:
Amupitan obtained his LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. in Law from the University of Jos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
4. Academic Journey:
His academic career began at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer. He rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Law in 2008.
5. Field of Expertise:
He specializes in evidence law, corporate governance, electoral law, privatization law, and public policy.
6. Administrative Experience:
Amupitan currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also chairs the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).
7. Research and Publications:
A prolific scholar, he has authored over 50 academic works focusing on legal reforms, governance, and Nigeria’s electoral and petroleum sectors.
8. National Appointment:
His nomination as INEC Chairman by President Tinubu marks his first major federal appointment, positioning him at the center of Nigeria’s electoral reforms.
9. Professional Memberships:
Amupitan is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Association of Law Teachers, among other professional bodies.
10. Family Life:
He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and the couple is blessed with four children.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
