By Chidimma Okwara,
Professor Mahmood Yakubu the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently on terminal leave forced on him by the president of Nigeria, although his two-term tenure is set to end in November/December 2025.
However, the question of who will be the next INEC Chairman is a major current topic because Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Professor Amupitan’s name has recently emerged in media reports as the likely candidate that President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate to succeed the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ends in December 2025. This nomination is yet to be officially announced.
The information that President Tinubu is “Set To Announce Prof. Amupitan” as the next INEC Chairman has appeared in some media as speculation or unconfirmed reports, often linking him to political figures like Dino Melaye.
The LeadWay became busy with the news to unravel the behind close door meetings and has gathered that in no distant time President Bola Tinubu will announce his nominination and from every pointer Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) will be that candidate to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his 10-year tenure across two terms.
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The President has scheduled a meeting of the Council of State for this Thursday.
Prof. Amupitan is a kinsman, friend and longtime legal counsel of over 10 years for Senator Dino Melaye.
The debate around a potential candidate like Professor Joash Amupitan centers on the need for the next INEC Chairman to be impartial and non-partisan, given the high stakes involved in managing Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Appointment Process
According to the Nigerian Constitution, the process for appointing the new INEC Chairman is as follows:
Nomination: The President (Bola Tinubu) will nominate a candidate.
Consultation: The President must consult with the Council of State.
Confirmation: The nomination is then subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Civil society organizations like SERAP have publicly urged President Tinubu to ensure transparency in the selection process before the incumbent Chairman’s tenure officially expires.
Who is Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)?
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is a distinguished Nigerian academic and legal luminary. The title SAN stands for Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a prestigious rank in the Nigerian legal profession conferred upon him in 2014.
Professional and Academic Positions
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), inaugurated in December 2023.
Career Trajectory at University of Jos (Unijos):
Joined Unijos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer.
Became a Professor of Law in 2008.
Previously served as the Head of the Department of Public Law and was the Dean of the Faculty of Law.
Legal Specialization:
He is a Professor of Law with specialization and experience in the Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatization Law.
His research interests include the Reform of Electoral Laws in Nigeria.
Educational Background
University of Jos: Obtained his Bachelor of Law (LL.B. Hons) in 1987, Master of Law (LL.M.) in 1993, and Ph.D. in Law in 2007, all from the university.
Nigerian Law School: Was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing his Barrister at Law (BL) program in Lagos.
He emerged as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Law in 1987 at the University of Jos, winning several academic awards.
Personal Details
Origin: He hails from the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Family: He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and they are blessed with four children.
Legal Counsel: Recent reports link him as a “kinsman and longtime legal counsel for Senator Dino Melaye.”
