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).

President Bola Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.

A statement issued shortly after the Council meeting by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State, North-Central State, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi state describing Prof. Amupitan as a man of integrity.

The statement noted that in compliance with the 1999 constitution (as amended), President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967.

Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).