On October 9, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the National Council of State has already given its nod of approval.
For many Nigerians, the name might sound new in political circles, but not in academia or law. So, who exactly is the man expected to oversee Nigeria’s next general elections in 2027?
A Legal Scholar With Deep Roots in Academia
Prof. Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, making him the first person from the state to hold this top electoral position. Born on April 25, 1967, he’s a scholar, lawyer, and administrator with decades of experience shaping minds and systems.
He studied Law at the University of Jos, where he obtained his LLB in 1987 and was called to the Bar in 1988. He went on to earn an LLM from the same university in 1993, and later a PhD in 2007.
In the University of Jos, Prof. Amupitan rose through the ranks — from lecturer to Professor of Law, then Head of Department, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and later Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He also served as Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, showing a consistent record of leadership and academic integrity.
Beyond the Lecture Hall
Outside the university, Amupitan has contributed to national and institutional governance. He’s the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a recognition of excellence in legal practice.
He has also served on several boards and councils, including the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and Integrated Dairies Limited (Vom).
His areas of expertise include corporate governance, company law, and the law of evidence; subjects that speak to the heart of integrity and structure, two elements many Nigerians believe INEC desperately needs.
The Task Ahead
Prof. Amupitan steps into the shoes of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has completed his second and final term. His appointment comes at a critical moment when INEC is under pressure to rebuild public trust after years of controversy over election logistics, result transmission, and political interference.
Observers are already watching closely to see how he will handle reforms within the commission — especially with the 2027 general elections fast approaching. His background suggests a methodical, disciplined mind, but electoral management in Nigeria is as political as it is procedural.
A New Chapter for INEC?
The presidency described Amupitan as “apolitical and of proven integrity,” a quality Nigerians hope will translate into fairness, transparency, and innovation in the nation’s electoral system.
Whether he can deliver remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his tenure will be closely watched, both at home and abroad.
As Nigeria turns another page in its democratic journey, the question on many lips is — can an academic reform the politics of elections?
