Seven Must-Know Facts on INEC Chair Nominee Prof. Amupitan

The nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been unanimously approved by the National Council of State, signaling a major transition in the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body. Dependable NG reports that the jurist from Kogi State is set to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who concluded his tenure in October 2025. This move has generated significant national interest, given the critical role INEC plays in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic process. For an appointment of this magnitude, the pedigree and professional history of the nominee must be placed under public scrutiny to assure the populace of their competence and impartiality.

Dependable NG, provides a detailed profile of the new INEC Chairman nominee, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, highlighting key aspects of his impressive academic and professional journey. His nomination is seen as an endorsement of merit and integrity, qualities deemed essential for an electoral umpire, especially as the President prepares to forward the nomination to the Senate for confirmation. Professor Amupitan’s long and distinguished career in law and academia provides the foundation for the high expectations placed upon him to champion electoral reforms and ensure credible elections across the nation.

The Distinguished Profile of Professor Amupitan

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has carved out a significant career path that spans over three decades in legal scholarship and administration. Below are seven essential facts detailing the background of the man poised to lead Nigeria’s electoral commission:

1. A Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
Professor Amupitan is a highly decorated academic, having attained the rank of Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in 2008. In 2014, he was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a testament to his excellence and achievements in the legal profession. This dual qualification provides him with both scholarly depth and practical legal expertise.

2. All his Law Degrees are from the University of Jos
His academic foundation is firmly rooted in Plateau State. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1987, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 1993, and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law in 2007—all from the University of Jos. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, immediately following his LL.B. degree.

3. Experienced University Administrator
Prior to his nomination, Professor Amupitan held key administrative roles in tertiary institutions. He served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. He has also held the role of Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014) and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014) at UNIJOS.

4. Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Further showcasing his administrative capacity and leadership, Professor Amupitan also holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Osun State, a role he was inaugurated into in December 2023.

5. Specialisation in Corporate Law and Electoral Reform
His core areas of specialisation include Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. Critically relevant to his new role, his research interests also include the Reform of Electoral Laws in Nigeria, suggesting a direct academic commitment to improving the electoral process he is now slated to oversee.

6. An Esteemed Author in Nigerian Law
Professor Amupitan is a well-published scholar and author, contributing significantly to legal literature in Nigeria. Some of his notable books include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013). This extensive publication record underscores his intellectual rigour.

7. The First Kogi Man Nominated for INEC Chairman
Hailing from Ayetoro Gbede in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan is the first person from the North-Central state of Kogi to be nominated for the position of INEC Chairman. His appointment is viewed as a victory for the state, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commending the nominee as a man of integrity who will bring honour to the state and the nation.