.Gov Ododo commends appointment
The National Council of State has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a nomination presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Council’s meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The decision, reached on Thursday, October 9, marks the formal commencement of a new phase for the nation’s electoral management body, coming shortly after the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Professor Amupitan, a distinguished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kogi State, becomes the first person from the state to be nominated for the nation’s top electoral position.
President Tinubu described the new appointee as “a man of exceptional integrity, intellect, and independence—qualities necessary to further strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.”
Members of the Council unanimously endorsed the nomination, expressing confidence in Amupitan’s ability to sustain reforms and deepen transparency within the commission.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, also commended the appointment, describing Amupitan as “a man of character and competence whose commitment to fairness and justice will further elevate public trust in Nigeria’s elections.”
In line with constitutional procedure, the President is expected to forward the nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, 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 doubles as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
With an academic and professional career spanning several decades, the renowned legal scholar and advocate brings a wealth of experience in constitutional law, governance, and institutional development, expertise observers say could help fortify Nigeria’s democratic processes and promote credible elections across the country.