President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), setting the stage for a new era in Nigeria’s electoral leadership.
Amupitan, a respected legal scholar from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure ended on Tuesday. His appointment followed the unanimous endorsement of the National Council of State during its meeting at the State House, Abuja.
According to Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Amupitan as “apolitical, principled, and a man of impeccable integrity,” noting that he is the first Kogi-born appointee to head the electoral body. The President is expected to forward his name to the Senate for confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Amupitan, 58, currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, and is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Political Parties React
Reactions to the appointment were swift across political lines.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged Amupitan to remain loyal to Nigerians, not political interests. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said, “We expect him to restore confidence in the electoral system and prove his integrity beyond doubt.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, advised the new chairman to pursue comprehensive electoral reforms and resist pressure from political elites.
Osadolor said, “This is not a time for self-enrichment. He must remember that his loyalty lies with the Nigerian people whose future depends on credible elections.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, expressed full confidence in Amupitan. Party spokesperson Bala Ibrahim said the appointment was based purely on merit, adding, “We expect him to strengthen electoral reforms and enhance public trust in INEC’s neutrality.”
Opposition Leaders Express Cautious Optimism
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also reacted cautiously.
Obi, speaking through his aide Dr. Yunusa Tanko, advised the new INEC boss to begin his tenure with bold reforms, warning him against political manipulation. “He must prove that the rule of law and integrity still matter in Nigeria’s democracy,” Obi said.
Similarly, NNPP’s spokesperson Ladipo Johnson urged Amupitan to learn from the lapses of the 2023 elections and strengthen INEC’s internal systems ahead of future polls.
State Governors, Lawyers, and Stakeholders Weigh In
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang hailed Amupitan as “a patriotic Nigerian and strategic thinker whose intellect has shaped public policy and governance.”
The Kogi State Government also celebrated his elevation, describing him as “a man of fairness, intellect, and integrity whose leadership will redefine Nigeria’s electoral culture.”
Prominent legal figures including Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Lekan Ojo (SAN), and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, resist political interference, and pursue digitisation of INEC’s operations.
Pinheiro said, “He must see this appointment as a national duty—to make votes count and silence doubts about the electoral process.”
Ojo added, “As the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria to head INEC, he carries the integrity of the legal profession. He must ensure Nigerians believe in the process again.”
Adegboruwa, on his part, called for full digital transparency, saying, “INEC should create an open portal for public access to electoral documents to end endless litigations.”
A Distinguished Legal Scholar
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos. His notable works include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria.
Over the years, he has served on several boards, including the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
When confirmed by the Senate, Prof. Joash Amupitan will become Nigeria’s 15th INEC Chairman, inheriting a commission under scrutiny and a nation yearning for credible elections.
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