Joash Amupitan

Joash Ojo Amupitan (born 25 April 1967) is a Nigerian professor of law who serves as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, succeeding Mahmood Yakubu. He was nominated for the position by President Bola Tinubu on 9 October 2025 and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 16 October 2025. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.

As a legal professional and academic, his focus area cut across company law, law of evidence, corporate governance, and privatisation law. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Regarding his nomination, Amupitan was described as an "apolitical" person by President Bola Tinubu in a statement posted by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

Early life and education Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967, into the family of Mr and Amupitan in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu, Kogi State. His mother Alice Ajigba Amupitan, was an educator and church leader in Kogi state. He later obtained an M.Sc. and a PhD degree in law from the University of Jos in 2007.

Career Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos(UNIJOS) in 1989 after his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. At various capacity, he has held leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of the Department of Public Law (2006–2008), and chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014). He also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and sits on the boards of several institutions, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom.

Membership, board and governance roles

Board Member, Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom Member, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council Member, Council of Legal Education (2008–2014) Former Board Member, Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004) Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008)