Professor Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was recently nominated as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the departure of Mahmood Yakubu, has been at the center of claims regarding his alleged involvement in President Bola Tinubu’s legal defense team at the 2023 election tribunal. Amupitan's nomination, which was unanimously approved by the council of state and awaits senate confirmation, quickly led to reports suggesting he was among the lawyers who defended Tinubu’s victory.

However, these claims have been swiftly debunked by Babatunde Ogala, SAN, the erstwhile coordinator of the Tinubu presidential legal team. In a statement issued on Friday, Ogala clarified that Professor Amupitan, a 58-year-old professor of law and deputy vice-chancellor (administration) at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), was never a member of the 123-strong legal team assembled for President Tinubu. Ogala stated unequivocally that Amupitan’s name did not appear among the legal practitioners formally engaged for the assignment, which included sixty distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Ogala further emphasized that at no point during the entire legal process was Amupitan’s counsel, opinion, or professional service sought or rendered. He challenged those propagating the falsehood to produce verifiable evidence to support their claims, suggesting that any member of the public could apply for Certified True Copies of all legal processes filed on behalf of the then President-Elect to confirm the accuracy of his statement.

Independent verification by TheCable, checking the certified true copies of the verdicts from both the presidential election petition tribunal and the supreme court, confirmed that Amupitan’s name was indeed not listed as counsel in the case. Ogala stressed the importance of anchoring political discourse on truth, decency, and national stability, urging responsible citizens, leaders, and media practitioners to reject narratives that are baseless, divisive, and capable of undermining public trust.