ABUJA — As President Bola Tinubu prepares to forward the name of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) to the Senate for confirmation as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil society groups, and regional bodies have begun setting expectations for his tenure.

President Tinubu had, on Thursday, presented Amupitan to the National Council of State as his nominee for the position, following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure on October 7. The Council unanimously endorsed his nomination.

With the Council’s approval, the President is expected to transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation next week.

If confirmed, Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, will become the sixth academic to head Nigeria’s electoral body after Professors Eme Awa, Humphrey Nwosu, Maurice Iwu, Attahiru Jega, and Mahmood Yakubu.

In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, is the first person from the North-Central state to be nominated for the position.

“Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Ododo describing Professor Amupitan as a man of integrity,” the statement read.

Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State. He holds degrees from the University of Jos, including a PhD in Law (2007), and specializes in Company Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

Political Parties, Groups React

ADC: Be Loyal to Nigerians, Not to Ruling Party

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged the nominee to demonstrate independence and loyalty to the Nigerian people rather than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said in an interview that while the party was adopting a cautious approach, it hoped Amupitan would deliver credible elections.

“We hope he proves loyal to Nigerians, not the government,” Abdullahi said. “His nomination presents an opportunity to make history as the INEC Chairman who delivered free, fair, and credible elections, not as a tool in the hands of those in power.”

Mutfwang: A Towering Intellectual, Patriotic Nigerian

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State described the nominee as a “towering intellectual and patriotic Nigerian” whose record of service would strengthen democratic institutions.

In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang commended President Tinubu for recognising the North-Central zone in the appointment, expressing confidence that Amupitan would serve with integrity and excellence.

NENF: Appointment Will Strengthen Democracy

The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) also lauded the nomination, describing it as “a historic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.”

Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Dominic Alancha, said the endorsement by the Council of State reflected merit, inclusiveness, and commitment to reform.

“Professor Amupitan brings with him a record of integrity and intellectual depth. We believe he will steer the Commission with independence and transparency,” the statement read.

Obidient Movement: Uphold Credibility, Reform the Electoral Act

The Obidient Movement congratulated the nominee while urging him to implement reforms that will enhance electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement jointly signed by National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko and Director of Strategic Communications Nana Kazaure, the group said:

“We hope your tenure will mark a milestone in Nigeria’s electoral history. We look forward to a new Electoral Act that will ensure credible, free, and fair elections.”

CUPP: Rebuild Public Trust in INEC

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) tasked the incoming INEC Chairman with restoring public confidence in the electoral body.

National Secretary of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, said Amupitan must confront the “crisis of trust” that emerged from the 2023 general elections, marked by technical glitches, delayed result uploads, and allegations of vote manipulation.

“His appointment comes at a time when INEC’s credibility has been severely eroded,” Ameh said. “Rebuilding that confidence must be his foremost task.”

Ameh noted that Amupitan’s background in corporate governance and evidence law uniquely positioned him to reform INEC and restore transparency to Nigeria’s electoral process.

If confirmed by the Senate, Professor Amupitan will oversee preparations for the 2027 general elections amid growing calls for electoral reforms and greater institutional independence for INEC.