President Bola Tinubu has explained reason for his choice of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the appointment was based on Amupitan’s apolitical stance, integrity, and impeccable record of service.

According to him, Amupitan is the first person from Kogi nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

The President spoke at the State House, Abuja, during the meeting of the National Council of State, which unanimously endorsed the nomination of Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday.

Council members, including serving and former leaders, backed the nomination, describing the professor as a man of proven integrity. Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, said Amupitan’s track record “reflects a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, and national service.”

Following the council’s approval, the President is expected to transmit Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi. A Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau, where he is currently the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun. (Tribune)