President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to swear in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the 13th Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking a new era for Nigeria’s electoral body.
The Appointment
Amupitan — a legal scholar from Ayetoro-Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State — was nominated by President Tinubu and approved unanimously by the National Council of State earlier this month.
The President emphasised that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the role, and described him as apolitical and of unimpeachable integrity.
Following Council approval, President Tinubu forwarded Amupitan’s name to the Senate of Nigeria for screening and confirmation.
Why the Change?
The post became vacant following the exit of the previous INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, whose term expired in October 2025 after serving since 2015.
With the general elections in 2027 looming and state-level polls scheduled, the timing of the appointment reflects the administration’s move to place an experienced, reform-oriented leader at the helm of the electoral commission.
Profile of the New Chairman
* Born April 25, 1967, Amupitan holds a doctorate in Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
* He rose through academia to become a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the university.
* He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014, and has substantial experience in company law, evidence law, corporate governance and privatisation.
Reactions and Expectations
Civil society groups have welcomed the nomination, describing it as a step toward rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s elections. The coalition Civil Society Groups for Good Governance noted that Amupitan’s professional background places him in a strong position to lead the commission.
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Meanwhile, some opposition voices remain cautiously optimistic, urging the new chairman to maintain strong independence from government influence.
The Road Ahead
As Amupitan prepares to take the oath, he assumes leadership at a critical juncture. The commission will face immediate pressure to deliver credible, transparent elections, including forthcoming state governorship contests and the 2027 general elections. The public and stakeholders will closely monitor how his leadership translates into reform, impartiality and institutional strengthening.
For President Tinubu, the choice signals a commitment — at least publicly — to merit-based appointments and national inclusivity. Whether this turns into tangible improvements at INEC remains to be seen, but the expectations are high.
