Ahead of his Senate confirmation, Nigerians, political parties and civil groups have laid out a series of expectations for the incoming INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN. President Bola Tinubu presented Amupitan to the Council of State, which endorsed the nomination on Thursday. If confirmed, Amupitan – a 58‑year‑old law professor from Kogi – will become the sixth professor to head Nigeria’s electoral body.
Amupitan, born on April 25 1967, holds a PhD in law, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and currently serves as Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos while also chairing the governing council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. His academic work focuses on company law, evidence, corporate governance and privatisation.
urged Amupitan to prioritize loyalty to Nigerians over any ruling party, warning that his legacy hinges on delivering free, fair and credible polls rather than becoming a “stooge” of the APC.
praised Amupitan as a “towering intellectual” and “detribalised leader,” expressing confidence that his experience will steer the commission with integrity.
described the appointment as a historic step toward a stronger democracy, commending his record of service and integrity.
congratulated Amupitan and called for electoral reforms that guarantee credibility, freedom and fairness ahead of the 2027 elections.
highlighted that his immediate task is to rebuild public trust in INEC, an institution whose reputation suffered after the 2023 elections marked by BVAS failures, result‑upload glitches and widespread accusations of vote manipulation.
Stakeholders stress that Amupitan’s tenure will be judged by his ability to restore confidence, ensure transparent technology use and produce elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
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