Joash Amupitan Named INEC Chairman In Midst of Expectations and Challenges

Professor Joash Amupitan has been appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission after receiving unanimous endorsement from the National Council of State at their meeting in Abuja. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure ended this week.

President Bola Tinubu said he selected Amupitan for his apolitical stance, integrity, and record of service. “Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical” a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga quoted him as saying. The nomination drew praise from council members including governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who described Amupitan as a man of proven integrity, justice, knowledge, and national service.

Amupitan, aged 58 and a professor of law at the University of Jos, comes from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area. He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. Following the Council’s approval, his name is expected to be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Political parties have urged Amupitan to restore public confidence in the electoral process through transparency, neutrality, and institutional reform. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) cautioned him to remain loyal to Nigerians rather than political interests while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms. The All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomed his appointment on merit and called on him to demonstrate fairness and uphold ongoing reforms.

Bolaji Abdullahi of ADC said Amupitan carries an opportunity to earn national trust. “His loyalty must lie with the people not with the government” he said. PDP youth leader Timothy Osadolor advised that for Amupitan, this is not a time for personal aggrandisement. He said Nigerians will expect him to be mindful that the people paying taxes expect accountability. On the other hand APC spokesperson Bala Ibrahim said he expects Amupitan to add value to democratic processes and for his actions to reinforce public confidence in the commission.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State described Amupitan as a patriotic leader whose contributions to policy and good governance have been profound. The Kogi State government also hailed him, praising his legal scholarship and administrative depth.

Legal luminaries have added their voices to the expectations. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro called Amupitan resourceful and thorough, urging him to focus on credible transparent elections where votes count. Lekan Ojo (SAN), former chair of the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, said many Nigerians believe votes do not count — a perception INEC must erase. Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) stressed the need to insulate INEC from political influence and fix operational inefficiencies especially around party primaries and candidate nominations.

Amupitan obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in law from University of Jos after earlier studies at Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and became Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014. He has written on company law, corporate governance and evidence law. Colleagues describe him as a jurist of quiet influence. When confirmed, he will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC chairman.