National Council of State presided over by President Bola Tinubu has unanimously endorsed Joash Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State’s North-Central zone as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This appointment follows the departure of Mahmood Yakubu, who helmed the commission since 2015.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination to the council, highlighting him as the first nominee from Kogi State to be considered for this pivotal electoral position.
“Professor Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar and an apolitical figure, who embodies integrity and competence for this role,” the statement said.
Governor Usman Ododo applauded the nomination, describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity whose leadership will strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.”
In line with constitutional procedures, President Tinubu will now forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation hearings.
Amupitan, aged 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a seasoned academic and legal expert, currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
He gained the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria title in 2014.
With a career spanning over three decades, Amupitan has authored several influential legal texts and held key positions in legal education and corporate governance. He is married with four children.
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