Joash Amupitan
Joash Ojo Amupitan is a Nigerian professor of law who serves as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, succeeding Mahmood Yakubu. He was nominated for the position by President Bola Tinubu on 9 October 2025 and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 16 October 2025. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014.
As a legal professional and academic, his focus area cut across company law, law of evidence, corporate governance, and privatisation law. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Regarding his nomination, Amupitan was described as an "apolitical" person by President Bola Tinubu in a statement posted by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. His nomination comes at a time when Nigeria's electoral commission is under increased scrutiny, with growing calls for greater transparency, better technology, and the quicker announcement of election results.
Early life and education
Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967 into the family of Mr and Amupitan in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu, Kogi State. His mother Alice Ajigba Amupitan, was an educator and church leader in Kogi state.He attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, and obtained a national diploma certificate in 1984 before proceeding to the University of Jos where he earned an LL.B. degree in law. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He later obtained an M.Sc and a PhD degree in law from the University of Jos in 2007.
Career
Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989 after his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. At various capacity, he has held leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors. He also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and sits on the boards of several institutions, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.Membership, board and governance roles
- Board Member, Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom
- Member, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council
- Member, Council of Legal Education
- Former Board Member, Riss Oil Limited, Abuja
Publications
- Corporate Governance: Models and Principles
- Documentary Evidence in Nigeria
- Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria
- Principles of Company Law
- Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria