Support is mounting across Nigeria for the nomination of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to forward his name to the Council of State for endorsement, in line with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
With the Council’s approval, President Tinubu is expected to send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation. If confirmed, the legal scholar will become the third professor in succession to lead Nigeria’s electoral body.
At the Council meeting the second under Tinubu’s administration former leaders Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) participated virtually. Other attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, SGF George Akume, state governors, and four former Chief Justices of Nigeria.
President Tinubu described the nominee as “a man of impeccable character who will run INEC fairly,” sparking wide commendation from political leaders, academics, and civil society groups.
Profile of Prof. Amupitan
Born 58 years ago in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Prof. Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos. He has held several key academic and administrative positions and is widely regarded as a disciplined scholar, mentor, and public intellectual.
Colleagues at the University of Jos described him as “humble, principled, and deeply committed to excellence.” Prof. Taye Obateru of the Department of Mass Communication said, “Even as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, he remains approachable and grounded.”
Similarly, Dr. Rabiatu Abdullahi Musa of the Faculty of Law praised him as “a disciplined professional and devoted family man with an unblemished record.”
Following the announcement, several governors and politicians welcomed the nomination.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, hailed Amupitan as “a man of character, transparency, and integrity.”
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo described him as “a man of sound judgment,” while Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised the nomination as “a recognition of merit and excellence,” calling Amupitan “a strategic thinker and detribalised leader.”
Activist Deji Adeyanju also lauded the appointment, saying it reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to competence over partisanship. The Obidient Movement, through its leaders Yunusa Tanko and Nana Kazaure, expressed optimism that Amupitan’s leadership will strengthen electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Legal Community and Civil Society Views
Senior lawyers and political commentators also reacted positively. Dr. Monday Ubani, former NBA-SPIDEL chairman, said, “By his qualifications, he is suitable and acceptable. However, much will depend on his ability to reform the system.”
Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) wished him success, noting that the role requires “integrity, competence, capacity, and character.”
However, some groups cautioned the nominee to demonstrate independence. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) urged him to rebuild public confidence in INEC by addressing past challenges such as delayed result uploads and declining voter trust.
Restoring Confidence in the Electoral Process
The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) expressed confidence that Amupitan’s leadership will restore faith in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Dominic Alancha, the group described his appointment as “a significant step toward strengthening democratic institutions.”
“Nigeria’s democracy requires ethical and visionary leadership. We believe Prof. Amupitan will steer INEC with transparency, independence, and excellence,” the statement read.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, expectations are high that Prof. Amupitan’s blend of scholarship, integrity, and administrative experience will help reposition INEC for credibility and effectiveness.
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