Prof. Joash Amupitan Emerges as Likely Successor to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu
- Nigeria News
- 27.09.2025
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Prof. Joash Amupitan Emerges as Likely Successor to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu
According to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the current National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
This directive is seen as a major development in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, signaling potential changes in the country’s election management body.
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN): Likely Candidate for INEC Chairman
Insider sources have identified Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the leading candidate to succeed Prof. Yakubu. According to the sources, Tinubu is “shopping for Prof. Yakubu’s replacement,” with Amupitan topping the list of potential nominees.
The National Assembly is expected to receive the official nomination in the coming days.
Sources revealed that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State had earlier met with President Tinubu, alleging that Prof. Yakubu’s late-term activities—including registering new political parties—had disrupted preparations for Tinubu’s second term bid.
The alleged covert support for a candidate in the Imo governorship election also formed part of the briefing that led to the President’s directive for Yakubu to proceed on terminal leave.
This development caused disruptions within INEC, leading to the abrupt cancellation of Yakubu’s final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties and civil society organisations.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s Tenure at a Glance
- Appointed as INEC Chairman on October 21, 2015, by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
- Confirmed by the Senate on October 29, 2015, and sworn in on November 9, 2015.
- Nominated for a second term in November 2020 and sworn in on December 1, 2020.
- His second term is due to expire in the first week of December 2025, marking a decade of service.
Profile of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar, administrator, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 34 years of academic and professional experience. He hails from Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State and is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan. They have four children.
Academic and Professional Journey
- Began his career as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Jos in 1989.
- Became a Reader in 2003 and was elevated to Professor of Law in 2008.
- Currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
- Appointed as the second Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in December 2023.
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from the University of Jos in 1987.
- Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after completing the Barrister at Law program at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
- Master of Law (LL.M) in 1993 and Ph.D. in Law in 2007 from the University of Jos.
- Conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.
Areas of Expertise
Prof. Amupitan specialises in:
- Law of Evidence
- Corporate Governance
- Corporate Law
- Privatisation Law
Contributions and Memberships
Throughout his career, Prof. Amupitan has contributed significantly to research in:
- Legal frameworks for privatisation
- Reform of electoral laws
- Petroleum and corporate governance laws
He is an active member of several professional bodies, including:
- Nigerian Bar Association
- Nigerian Institute of Management
- National Association of Law Teachers
The emergence of Prof. Amupitan as the likely successor to Prof. Yakubu signals a shift in the leadership of Nigeria’s election management body. His extensive experience in law and governance positions him as a potential reformer for the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Political analysts believe that his appointment could impact electoral reforms, strengthen democratic institutions, and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
