Prof. Joash Amupitan’s appointment as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday sets the stage for a major leadership test, as he inherits an electoral system dogged by controversy, low voter confidence, and pressure to deliver credible elections.
He was appointed following the National Council of State’s unanimous endorsement of the Kogi-born academic during its meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday.
At the meeting, President Bola Tinubu explained that his choice of Amupitan was based on the latter’s apolitical stance, integrity and impeccable record of service.
“President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical,” a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted him as saying.
Council members, including serving and former leaders, backed the nomination, describing the Professor as a man of proven integrity. Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, said Amupitan’s track record “reflects a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”
Following the council’s approval, the President is expected to transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Aged 58, Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A professor of law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, he is currently the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). Also, he serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Political parties on Thursday urged Amupitan (SAN) to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process through transparency, neutrality and deep institutional reform.
Reacting to the development, the African Democratic Congress cautioned the new electoral umpire, Chief, to remain loyal to the Nigerian people and not to political interests. This was as the Peoples Democratic Party urged him to prioritise internal cleansing and comprehensive electoral reforms to restore public confidence in the commission.
The ruling All Progressives Congress, however, expressed confidence in Amupitan’s appointment, stating that he was chosen on merit and must demonstrate fairness, integrity, and commitment to sustaining ongoing electoral reforms.
In a statement on Thursday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, urged the new INEC Chair to place his loyalty with the Nigerian people rather than the ruling APC government. Abdullahi emphasised the need to restore public confidence in the nation’s electoral system, saying the coalition party is ready to extend the nominated INEC Chairman the benefit of the doubt. The Coalition expressed hope that Amupitan would perform better.
He stated,
“We are cautious. But we expect the new INEC chairman to have a personal ambition to do better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in the Nigerian election.
“He must understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government. We are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt based on his track record. But now he has the opportunity to make a good name for himself that his children would be proud of, or to soil his record and end up with ignominy.
