Nigeria’s National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the nominee during a council meeting, noting that Amupitan, from Kogi State in the North-Central region, is the first person from the zone to be nominated for the position.

Amupitan replaces Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 until October 2025. Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

Following the council’s approval, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening, in accordance with constitutional provisions.