Professor Joash Amupitan Appointed as New INEC Chairman After Mahmood Yakubu’s Resignation
Nigeria’s political landscape has entered a new chapter as the National Council of State approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His appointment comes after the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served diligently as INEC Chairman for ten years.
The official announcement was made on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy. Onanuga revealed that the decision was reached unanimously during the Council’s meeting, reflecting the members’ shared confidence in the President’s nominee. According to him, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State praised Amupitan as “a man of integrity and discipline,” emphasizing that his appointment demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, is a highly respected academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He hails from Kogi State, making him the first individual from the state to be nominated for the INEC Chairmanship — a development widely seen as a historic moment for the North-Central region. His vast experience in legal education, governance, and public service positions him as a capable figure to steer the nation’s electoral body towards greater accountability and efficiency.
According to constitutional provisions, President Tinubu will now forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation. Once confirmed, Amupitan is expected to lead reforms aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of future elections, particularly as Nigeria prepares for subsequent off-cycle and general polls.
Outgoing INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu served from 2015 until October 2025, overseeing two general elections and numerous off-season elections across the country. His decade-long leadership was marked by both achievements and challenges, as he worked to improve election logistics, introduce technology-driven voting processes, and manage voter registration reforms. His resignation earlier this week opened the path for a transition in Nigeria’s electoral management system.
Political observers have described Amupitan’s appointment as a promising move for Nigeria’s democracy. With his solid legal foundation and a reputation built on ethical conduct, many believe he could play a crucial role in restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. His leadership is also expected to strengthen the institutional independence of INEC, enhance collaboration with political parties, and ensure fair play during elections.
In recent years, Nigerians have expressed concerns over electoral irregularities, logistics issues, and delayed results. Experts say that under Amupitan’s leadership, there is renewed hope for stronger systems that promote free, fair, and credible elections. His background as a law professor and advocate of good governance aligns closely with the values needed to sustain democratic principles in Africa’s largest democracy.
Amupitan’s nomination symbolizes not just a leadership change, but also a potential rebirth for Nigeria’s electoral integrity. Citizens and stakeholders alike are watching closely, hopeful that his tenure will usher in a new era of transparency, trust, and accountability in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
