Fresh reports suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have finally settled on Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the likely replacement for Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to end in December 2025.
Tinubu Reportedly Moves Against Yakubu
According to insider sources, President Tinubu directed Prof. Yakubu to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure. The move, sources claim, followed allegations that Yakubu was “working against the interest of the APC-led government” in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
Reports indicate that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, raised concerns with the President, accusing Yakubu of secretly supporting a governorship candidate in Imo and attempting to register new political parties close to the end of his tenure. These alleged actions were seen as capable of upsetting Tinubu’s second-term plans.
The directive to Yakubu reportedly caused disruptions within INEC, forcing the abrupt cancellation of his final consultative meetings with political parties and civil society organisations.
Who Is Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan?
Prof. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is a respected legal scholar with over 34 years of academic and professional experience.
- Origin: From Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State.
- Career: Began as Assistant Lecturer at the University of Jos in 1989, rose to Professor of Law in 2008.
- Leadership Roles: Former Dean of Law, University of Jos; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (since 2023).
- Education: LLB, LLM, and PhD (Law) from the University of Jos.
- Achievements: Elevated to the rank of SAN in 2014.
- Specialisation: Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Law, and Privatisation Law.
His long track record in law, governance, and public service has made him a strong contender for the INEC top job.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Electoral Future
If confirmed, Prof. Amupitan’s appointment will mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral leadership, especially at a time when public confidence in the nation’s democratic process remains fragile.
Tinubu is expected to forward his nominee to the National Assembly in the coming days. Until then, the political space will be abuzz with speculation about how Amupitan might shape the future of elections in Nigeria.
