President Bola Tinubu’s search for a new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may be nearing its end, with the President reportedly giving strong consideration to Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, who hails from Kogi State.
A highly placed source in the Presidency confirmed the development simply replying, “Yes ooo,” when asked about the news regarding a replacement for the outgoing chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
A close friend of Amupitan also confirmed the news, noting that while he was unsure if the nomination had been officially announced, he could confirm the professor was “being strongly considered.”
The replacement of Professor Yakubu has become necessary as his tenure, which began in 2015 under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, nears its end after almost ten years (two terms).
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According to THISDAY, Yakubu had planned to leave office in June but was “persuaded by the presidency” to stay while the search for a suitable replacement continued.
During his time, Yakubu introduced innovations like simultaneous accreditations and voting, the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IRev), though he also faced criticism, particularly for “repeated declaration of inconclusive polls.”
If nominated, Amupitan would oversee key elections, including the Anambra State governorship election on November 6, the FCT Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2026, and the 2027 general election.
Profile of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan
Professor Amupitan is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos. He is a Professor of Law specializing in the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is an accomplished academic and practitioner.
He graduated from the University of Jos in 1987 with an LL.B. Hons Degree, emerging as the best graduating student and winning all academic awards in the Faculty of Law, including the University of Jos Prize for the best Graduating Law Student, 1987, and the UNIJOS Chancellor Prize for the best graduating student, 1987.
He was called to the Nigeria Bar on November 3, 1988, and earned his Ph.D. in Law in 2007.
He joined the University of Jos in 1989, became a Professor of Law in 2008, and was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in August 2014. His extensive career includes serving as Dean, Faculty of Law, for four years, and authoring six books on topics like Documentary Evidence and Corporate Governance.
Amupitan has extensive experience in litigation, served as a consultant to the 8th House of Representatives on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), 2015-2019, and holds positions on the boards of several companies and governing councils of institutions.
He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
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