Senate Confirms Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as New INEC Chairman

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The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his nomination and approval by the National Council of State.

The confirmation took place on Thursday during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Amupitan, who currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, was confirmed after undergoing hours of screening, during which he responded to lawmakers’ questions on electoral reforms, voter registration, and institutional independence.

Following his confirmation, Amupitan pledged to strengthen collaboration with key agencies, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to enhance Nigeria’s electoral system.

“Our elections must inspire public trust and confidence. I intend to deepen technological integration, improve voter data accuracy, and work with relevant stakeholders to make every vote count,” he said.

Background: Council of State Endorsement

The appointment of Prof. Amupitan was first approved by the National Council of State on October 9, 2025, and later transmitted to the Senate for legislative confirmation.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the President presented Amupitan as his nominee to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025 after serving as INEC Chairman since 2015.

“The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the presidential statement read in part.

The council’s endorsement paved the way for Senate screening in line with constitutional provisions for the appointment of the INEC Chair.

The development also follows the brief tenure of May Agbamuche-Mbu, who acted as INEC’s interim chair after Yakubu’s exit. Agbamuche-Mbu continues to serve as Chairperson of INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee (LSCCC).

Profile: Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)

Age: 58
State of Origin: Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State
Date of Birth: April 25, 1967
Current Position: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Jos

Prof. Amupitan is a renowned legal scholar with expertise in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and has served in several academic and administrative capacities at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), including:

Dean, Faculty of Law
Head, Department of Public Law
Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors

He holds an LL.M. (1993) and Ph.D. (2007) in Law from the University of Jos, and began his academic career in 1989 after attending Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

Outside academia, Amupitan has contributed to Nigeria’s legal and educational sectors as:

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State
Member, Council of Legal Education
Board Member, Integrated Dairies Limited

He is married and blessed with four children.

Next Steps for INEC

Analysts say Prof. Amupitan’s appointment comes at a critical moment as Nigeria prepares for off-cycle elections and begins early preparations for the 2027 general polls.
His immediate task will include addressing public confidence, logistical challenges, and technological upgrades within INEC.

Political observers also expect reforms in voter registration, electoral transparency, and collaboration with civil society organisations to strengthen democratic governance.