The Kogi State Government has thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Professor Joash Amupitan, a native of the state, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released on Thursday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said the appointment reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence, merit, and national inclusion in choosing leaders for key democratic institutions.
“Prof. Amupitan’s outstanding career as a respected legal scholar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and seasoned administrator speaks to his integrity, fairness, and intellectual strength — all of which are crucial for improving our electoral system,” Fanwo said.
He assured Nigerians that both the government and people of Kogi State are confident that Prof. Amupitan will justify the trust placed in him and continue to make the state and the nation proud through his commitment to credible and transparent elections.
“We warmly congratulate Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, on this well-deserved national assignment and pray for wisdom, strength, and success as he takes on this important role,” the statement added.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that Prof. Amupitan was nominated and presented to the Council of State on Thursday as the first nominee from the North Central region. His appointment follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s two terms, which ended in October 2025.
Members of the Council of State unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing him as a man of integrity.
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As required by the constitution, President Tinubu will now forward his name to the Senate for confirmation.
Prof. Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also earned his degrees. His areas of expertise include Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.
