The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination during the Council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, following the completion of tenure by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
Announcing the decision, President Tinubu said Professor Amupitan — an erudite scholar and legal luminary from Nigeria’s North-Central region — is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the nation’s top electoral position. The President described him as “a distinguished academic and legal mind with a reputation for integrity, fairness, and non-partisanship.”
Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commending the President’s choice, describing Professor Amupitan as “a man of character, competence, and credibility who will strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.”
In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation in the coming days.
If confirmed, Professor Amupitan will take over from Professor Yakubu, under whose leadership INEC conducted two general elections and several off-cycle polls, marking one of the longest tenures in the Commission’s history.
The appointment marks a new phase in Nigeria’s electoral reforms as the administration seeks to consolidate transparency, technology-driven processes, and public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR AMUPITAN, FROM KOGI STATE AS INEC CHAIRMAN
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 Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.
President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.
Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.
In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.
