Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This significant appointment, which sees Professor Amupitan succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been swiftly approved by the National Council of State and awaits Senate ratification. A native of Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan becomes the first person from his state to hold this pivotal national position, which many view as a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions.

However, Amupitan’s appointment has inadvertently deepened a simmering political rift between the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu. Insider accounts reveal that Wike vehemently opposed Amupitan's candidacy, having reportedly championed Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman for the role. Wike’s efforts to secure clearances for Liman, a justice of the Court of Appeal with whom he shared a close relationship—even allegedly blocking security agencies from searching Liman’s house in 2016—were ultimately futile. Mounting skepticism within the Presidency, exacerbated by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore's public exposé of Wike’s undeclared foreign and hidden local assets, led to Liman’s candidacy being quietly dropped. President Tinubu reportedly confided in aides that Wike was "too unstable and untrustworthy" to influence the leadership of Nigeria's electoral body. The Council of State meeting, where Amupitan's nomination was surprisingly presented by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, saw Wike boycott the session, reportedly attempting to orchestrate a wider boycott among former Heads of State to express his displeasure.

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, born on April 25, 1967, is 58 years old. His impressive academic journey began with studies at Kwara State Polytechnic before he proceeded to the University of Jos, where he earned his LL.B, LL.M, and PhD. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and commenced his academic career in 1989. Rising through the ranks, he became a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law, and was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014. Beyond his professorial duties, Amupitan currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and concurrently holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. His extensive administrative experience includes roles as Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Head of Public Law at the University of Jos, along with board memberships in various corporate and legal bodies.

Amupitan is also a prolific author, with several notable books on law, including "Corporate Governance: Models and Principles," "Documentary Evidence in Nigeria," and "Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria." Colleagues and former students consistently describe him as a disciplined, fair, and non-partisan academic who prioritizes order, process, and integrity. Professor Ezekiel Major Adeyi, a long-time colleague, noted his calm, logical approach to administration, stating that Amupitan "believes in doing things the right way, even when it is not convenient." Similarly, THISDAY Managing Director, Mr. Eniola Bello, hailed him as an "incorruptible academic, an astute administrator, and a patriot" whose expertise in corporate governance and evidence law makes him uniquely suited for INEC's leadership.

The appointment has elicited a range of reactions from across Nigeria. The Kogi and Plateau State governments, alongside Senator Steve Karimi and other political figures, have warmly congratulated Amupitan, praising President Tinubu for recognizing merit, inclusiveness, and competence. They expressed confidence in his capacity for impartiality, integrity, and intellectual depth to strengthen the electoral system. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also welcomed the appointment, expecting him to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

Conversely, civil society organizations and opposition parties have outlined high expectations and expressed cautious optimism, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms and transparency. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) stated it would give Amupitan the "benefit of doubt" but expects his loyalty to be with the Nigerian people, not the government. Public Accountability and Democratic Reforms Advocate, Ezenwa Nwagwu, and Yiaga Africa Executive Director, Samson Itodo, emphasized that there would be "no learning curve" for the new chairman, especially with crucial off-cycle governorship elections approaching in states like Anambra and Osun, and advised that he must possess the courage to withstand political pressure. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Amupitan to avoid the controversies of the previous administration and focus on restoring public trust, advocating for enhanced BVAS and electronic result transmission.

Professor Amupitan’s past public statements offer further insight into his thinking. In 2016, he sparked debate by arguing that "budget padding" was not unlawful under the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the National Assembly has the constitutional mandate to adjust budget estimates. A year later, in his 2017 inaugural lecture at the University of Jos, he strongly advocated for the urgent passage of the Protected Disclosure and Whistleblowers Bill of 2016, highlighting its importance for anti-corruption efforts. He also criticized the mismanagement of pension funds and public resources, which he believed had plunged Nigeria into recession. These views on legislative powers, institutional reform, and financial transparency suggest a leader who values systemic solutions and robust governance, principles that will undoubtedly shape his approach to electoral reforms and INEC's operational integrity.

As Professor Amupitan prepares for his role, he faces the formidable task of rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria's electoral system, ensuring transparency, and protecting the commission's independence amidst declining voter trust and allegations of past manipulations. Civil society groups like CISLAC have called for an audit of the 2023 elections, voter register reform, prosecution of electoral offenders, and entrenching technology use in law. The collective hope is that his tenure will usher in an era of credible, free, and fair elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.