Nigeria’s President Tinubu appoints Amupitan as new INEC chairman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joash Amupitan as the new chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Amupitan is a professor of Law. His appointment has also been ratified by the National Council of States, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga wrote in a Thursday statement.

“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening,” Mr Onanuga wrote.

He will be inaugurated by the president if his nomination is confirmed by the upper legislative chamber.

Born on 25 April 1967, Mr Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State. He is a law professor at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.

Mr Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.

He replaces Mahmood Yakubu, also a professor, who led INEC from 2015 until Tuesday, when he stepped down as his second tenure of five years drew to an end. He handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, by appointment.