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The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued to generate widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political and civic landscape, with groups including the Obidient Movement and the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) congratulating the nominee while urging him to uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity as he assumes office.

The development followed the unanimous approval of Amupitan’s nomination by the National Council of State after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented his name to the Council during its meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday. The nomination comes after the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.

President Tinubu, while presenting the nominee, described Professor Amupitan as “a man of integrity, discipline, and competence who embodies the apolitical professionalism Nigeria’s democracy requires.” He noted that Amupitan, a 58-year-old professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central geopolitical zone to be nominated for the position, stressing that the appointment reflects his administration’s commitment to merit, regional balance, and institutional credibility.

Council members, including Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, reportedly supported the nomination wholeheartedly. Governor Ododo hailed the choice, describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity, discipline, and scholarly excellence who will restore public confidence in the electoral process.”

Following the Council’s approval, President Tinubu is expected to forward the nominee’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State. A scholar of company law, evidence, and corporate governance, he has been part of the University of Jos academic community since 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation.

He earned his LL.B in 1987, LL.M in 1993, and Ph.D. in 2007—all from the University of Jos—and was called to the Bar in 1988. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.

Throughout his career, Professor Amupitan has held various leadership positions including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, and Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Jos.

The new INEC Chairman has also served on national institutions such as the Council of Legal Education and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and has held board positions in the private sector, including Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom, and Riss Oil Limited, Abuja.

His scholarly works, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles, Documentary Evidence in Nigeria, and Principles of Company Law, are widely cited in Nigeria’s legal and academic communities.

The Obidient Movement was among the first to react to the announcement, extending warm felicitations and congratulations to the nominee. In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator, and Ms. Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications and Media, the movement expressed optimism that Amupitan’s appointment could mark “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s electoral history.”

“As we reflect on the experiences of past INEC chairmen, we are hopeful that your tenure will mark a significant milestone in the electoral history of Nigeria,” the statement read. “We look forward to seeing a new electoral act that will enhance the credibility, freedom, and fairness of our elections, particularly as we approach the 2027 General Elections.”

The group urged the incoming INEC boss to use his tenure to deepen democratic values and build public confidence in the commission’s independence. It further prayed for God’s guidance and protection for the new chairman as he navigates what it described as “the enormous responsibilities of this critical office.”

“Congratulations once again,” the statement added, “and we look forward to a new era of electoral excellence under your leadership.”

Similarly, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), the umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations, in a separate statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, congratulated Professor Amupitan and described his appointment as “an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the nation’s electoral process.”

The CNPP commended the President and the Council of State for what it called “a wise and credible choice,” urging the new INEC Chairman to remain “a man of honour and good report” throughout his tenure.

“Professor Amupitan must remember that Nigerians are yearning for a credible electoral process that reflects the true will of the people,” the CNPP stated. “We urge him to ensure that he leaves the office of INEC Chairman with his integrity intact and his reputation untainted by politics or compromise.”

The CNPP noted that the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election in November will be the first major test of Amupitan’s leadership and a vital opportunity for INEC to redeem its image. It stressed that how the Commission manages the poll would determine public confidence in its ability to conduct free and fair elections in 2027.

“The Anambra election will be the first major poll under Professor Amupitan’s leadership,” the statement continued. “It will provide him and the Commission the chance to demonstrate a renewed commitment to credibility and efficiency in the management of elections. The entire nation will be watching.”

The CNPP also used the occasion to call on civil society organizations, the media, and the general public to play active roles in ensuring electoral integrity.

“We urge Nigerians to remain eternally vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, and be ready to protect their votes in all elections beginning from the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election,” Comrade Ezema said. “Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone but by the collective resolve of citizens to demand accountability and transparency.”

Both the CNPP and the Obidient Movement agreed that Amupitan’s appointment presents a chance to strengthen INEC’s institutional independence and restore faith in the ballot. Their messages underscore the rising public expectation that his tenure should usher in a new era of credibility, fairness, and efficiency in Nigeria’s elections.

Political observers say the convergence of praise from diverse political and civic actors reflects a rare moment of national consensus. They argue that if Amupitan succeeds in upholding the independence of the electoral body, ensuring timely deployment of technology, and safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot, he could redefine Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

As Nigerians look toward the November Anambra governorship poll and the 2027 general elections, all eyes will be on the new INEC leadership to prove that integrity and credibility can once again define Nigeria’s electoral process.

The appointment, announced in a State House statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on October 9, 2025, has thus set the tone for what many describe as a crucial test for Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of its electoral umpire.