I chose Amupitan as INEC Chairman for his integrity, apolitical stance – Tinubu
By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu has said his decision to appoint Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was informed by the nominee’s integrity, apolitical disposition, and distinguished record of service.
Speaking at the National Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said Professor Amupitan’s reputation for fairness and professionalism made him the ideal choice to lead the nation’s electoral body.
“Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, a North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Council of State, which comprises serving and former leaders, unanimously endorsed the President’s nomination, commending the choice as one that reflects a commitment to credibility and national balance.
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State also lauded the appointment, describing Amupitan as “a man whose track record reflects deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”
Following the Council’s approval, President Tinubu is expected to forward the nominee’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation, in line with constitutional provisions.
Aged 58, Professor Joash Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A respected Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Amupitan is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, Amupitan earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and has published extensively in areas including company law, corporate governance, and the law of evidence.
