The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination to the Council during its meeting on Thursday, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Council unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination, describing him as a man of integrity and impeccable character.
President Tinubu noted that Amupitan, who hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, is the first person from the North-Central region to be nominated for the position. He also stressed that the nominee is apolitical and possesses vast experience in law and governance.
In line with constitutional requirements, the President will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Amupitan is also a prolific author, with publications such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013).
He is married and blessed with four children