Nigeria TV Info 

Tinubu Names Amupitan as New INEC Chairman, NCS Endorses Choice

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. The National Council of State (NCS) met at the State House, Abuja, and gave unanimous approval to the nomination, describing him as a man of integrity and competence.

Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name during the NCS session, emphasizing that he is the first nominee from Kogi State (North-Central zone) to be put forward for the INEC chairmanship. The President is constitutionally required to forward Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

A native of Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, Amupitan is a professor of law at the University of Jos and was born on 25 April 1967. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014 and has held various academic administrative roles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at UNIJOS and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), while cautious, has pledged to give Amupitan the “benefit of the doubt,” urging that he must prioritize the interests of Nigerians over any political attachment. Meanwhile, officials in Kogi State and members of the Senate have lauded the appointment as a move toward inclusiveness and merit in national institutions. Observers note that one of his first major tasks would likely be supervising the Anambra governorship election scheduled for 8 November 2025.