Council of State Approves Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This development was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan as the nominee during the Council’s meeting, seeking approval to fill the vacancy created by the exit of the immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Professor Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015, concluded his tenure in October 2025 after overseeing two general elections and several off-cycle polls. His administration was marked by the introduction of technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), aimed at improving transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a renowned legal scholar, is expected to bring his vast experience in law and public service to the leadership of the nation’s electoral body.

The Council of State’s approval is a critical step before the formal confirmation of his appointment by the Senate, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

If confirmed, Professor Amupitan will assume the task of consolidating ongoing electoral reforms, strengthening institutional independence, and preparing the commission for upcoming elections across the country.