Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has successfully received the endorsement of the National Council of State for the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision was reached during the Council’s meeting on Thursday, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President formally presented Amupitan’s nomination for consideration.
According to a statement issued on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Council unanimously supported Tinubu’s nominee, paving the way for a new phase in Nigeria’s electoral management.
This development follows the completion of the 10-year tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who officially vacated the position earlier in October 2025.
President Tinubu, while addressing the Council, emphasized that Amupitan’s selection reflects his administration’s determination to enhance electoral credibility and deepen democratic governance in the country.
The President highlighted that the 58-year-old academic, who hails from Kogi State, stands out not only for his legal expertise but also for his commitment to institutional reforms. Tinubu further noted that Amupitan’s appointment makes him the first person from the North-Central state to assume the leadership of INEC since its establishment.
“Professor Amupitan has demonstrated integrity, competence, and patriotism. His record as a constitutional lawyer and public servant gives confidence that he will lead the Commission with transparency and independence,” Tinubu told the Council.
The National Council of State’s endorsement is being viewed by political observers as a crucial step in consolidating electoral reforms, particularly ahead of future national elections.
Amupitan, a renowned professor of law and legal scholar, is widely respected within academic and political circles for his advocacy on constitutional development, rule of law, and democratic accountability.
With the Council’s approval, the next stage will involve the formal swearing-in ceremony after all procedural checks and clearances are completed in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
Stakeholders across Nigeria have begun to react positively to the announcement, describing the appointment as a reflection of merit and competence. Some political analysts believe Amupitan’s experience will be instrumental in strengthening confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s operations.
Observers also expect him to continue technological innovations in Nigeria’s election process, focusing on electronic transmission of results, transparent collation systems, and voter registration integrity.
As the country prepares for upcoming electoral cycles, Amupitan’s leadership of INEC is anticipated to shape policy decisions that will define the future of Nigerian democracy.
0 Comments