Abuja – The National Council of State has unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name to the council during its meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, which began in 2015 and ended in October 2025.
According to a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President described Amupitan as an “apolitical scholar of integrity” and the first person from Kogi, North-Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the position.
Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commending Amupitan’s competence and character.
In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. He hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.