The National Council of State has given its unanimous approval for the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination during the Council’s meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to fill the position vacated by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his tenure in October 2025 after serving since 2015.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Amupitan as “apolitical and eminently qualified” for the job. He also highlighted that the nominee, a Professor of Law from Kogi State, is the first person from the state to be nominated for the role.

The Council unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commending Amupitan as “a man of integrity whose wealth of experience will strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.”

Following the Council’s approval, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.

Professor Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.