President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appointment was confirmed on Thursday following the approval of the National Council of State during its meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The announcement was contained in a statement posted on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the appointment of Professor Amupitan followed the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year tenure in October 2025.
Tinubu, while presenting Amupitan’s name to the Council, described him as “a distinguished legal scholar and reform-minded public servant” whose experience and integrity would further strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
He noted that Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law from Kogi State, “has made remarkable contributions to legal education and national development,” adding that his appointment also marks the first time a nominee from the North-Central state will head the commission.
The new INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, is expected to assume office immediately to begin preparations ahead of forthcoming elections across the country.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who first assumed office in November 2015, officially bowed out this month after serving two consecutive terms as INEC Chairman.
