21 Things to Know About Nigeria’s New INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
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Nigeria’s new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has attracted nationwide attention following his nomination and approval by the National Council of State. Needless to say that his appointment marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Here are 21 key things to know about the man now entrusted with leading Nigeria’s election management body.
- Full Name and Title
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), legal scholar, and professor of law. He’s widely respected in academia and legal circles across Nigeria.
- His Appointment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Amupitan, whose appointment was endorsed by the National Council of State, pending final confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
- Place and Date of Birth
He was born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria.
- Long Career at University of Jos
Amupitan has spent over three decades at the University of Jos, where he began teaching law in 1989 and rose to become a Professor of Law.
He has also served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and chaired several academic committees.
- Academic Background
He earned his LL.B degree from the University of Jos in 1987, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, and later obtained LL.M and Ph.D. degrees from the same university.
- Fields of Specialisation
Prof. Amupitan is a specialist in Evidence Law, Corporate Governance, Company Law, and Privatisation Law, areas reflected in his extensive publications and lectures.
- Authored Legal Texts
He has published several textbooks and research papers, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles and Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria. His works are cited by law students and scholars nationwide.
- Major Public Lecture
In May 2023, he delivered the prestigious Aare Afe Babalola Lecture at the NBA Ado-Ekiti Law Week, titled “Addressing the Nigerian Economic Challenges Through the Instrumentality of the Law.”
The lecture, later published in academic journals, outlined how the rule of law can drive economic reform and good governance.
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
He earned the coveted SAN rank, Nigeria’s equivalent of Queen’s Counsel, in recognition of his professional distinction and contributions to legal scholarship.
- Administrative Experience
His years as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UNIJOS provided administrative experience that analysts say will serve him well in managing INEC’s complex operations.
- Integrity and Reputation
Media commentaries and peers describe him as principled, meticulous, and apolitical — qualities many Nigerians see as crucial for rebuilding trust in the electoral system.
- The “Budget Padding” Controversy
In 2016, Prof. Amupitan stirred national debate after stating that “budget padding is lawful” under the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the National Assembly has powers to alter the budget.
While critics condemned the view, he maintained it was a constitutional interpretation, not a political defense.
- Legal Counsel in High-Profile Cases
He has represented high-profile clients, including lawmakers and government officials, in constitutional and administrative law matters — a normal practice for lawyers of his standing.
- No Proven Corruption Allegations
No credible reports or investigations link Prof. Amupitan to corruption, fraud, or misconduct. Media searches and public records show a clean professional record.
- International Exposure
A Fulbright Scholar, Amupitan has participated in international research and exchange programmes, expanding his perspective on law and governance.
- Expected Priorities at INEC
Observers expect him to focus on restoring electoral integrity, strengthening result transmission systems, and ensuring transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of 2027.
- Regional Representation
His appointment satisfies geopolitical balance, representing the North-Central zone — a region long underrepresented in recent INEC leadership appointments.
- Academic Mentorship
He has supervised numerous LL.M and Ph.D. candidates, producing some of Nigeria’s finest young legal scholars and administrators.
- Media and Public Engagements
Prof. Amupitan has granted several interviews and delivered lectures on constitutional reform, governance, and legal accountability, but rarely comments on partisan politics.
- Public Expectations and Scrutiny
Civil society and political observers have called on him to uphold INEC’s independence, tackle voter apathy, and ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
Conclusion
With his deep academic background, legal pedigree, and clean public record, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) faces the enormous task of steering INEC toward public confidence, electoral credibility, and institutional independence.
Whether he succeeds will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
StreetReporters.ng
This post has already been read at least 11165 times!
