Tinubu Nominates Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as New INEC Chairman | The Bureau News
By Enemona Samuel Endurance, Abuja
The Bureau News reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), a respected legal scholar and academic, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending Senate confirmation.
The nomination, which was unanimously approved by the National Council of State on Thursday, October 9, 2025, follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, which began in 2015 and concluded earlier this month.
First Kogi Nominee to Lead INEC
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the appointment, describing Professor Amupitan as “an apolitical figure of integrity and scholarly excellence.” Tinubu noted that Amupitan is the first nominee from Kogi State in Nigeria’s North-Central region to head the electoral body.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also lauded the nomination, describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity, deeply committed to justice, fairness, and national progress.”
Distinguished Academic and Legal Career
Born 58 years ago in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014, Amupitan earned his LL.M (1993) and Ph.D. (2007) degrees from the University of Jos. He began his academic journey in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.
Publications and Professional Influence
Amupitan has authored several books and academic works on company law, corporate governance, and evidence law. His most cited works include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria. He has also served on boards in the private sector and on national legal education committees.
With decades of legal scholarship and leadership experience, observers describe his appointment as a strategic move to restore public confidence in INEC following widespread controversies surrounding the 2023 elections.
Senate Screening and Confirmation
In line with the Nigerian Constitution, President Tinubu will forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation. If confirmed, Amupitan will oversee preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections — key milestones in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Economic Context and Public Sentiment
Amid the leadership transition at INEC, citizens continue to grapple with inflation and rising costs of living. The Bureau News notes that the most recent foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today reflect the ongoing strain on household budgets, with essential commodities showing persistent price increases.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50 kg) | 64,800 | 67,900 |
| Beans (50 kg) | 58,000 | 61,000 |
| Garri (50 kg) | 23,900 | 24,500 |
| Palm Oil (25 L) | 35,000 | 37,100 |
© 2025 The Bureau News — All rights reserved.