The Appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed Prof. Joash Amupitan as the next substantive chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was the first chairman to serve two consecutive five-year terms. Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, previously served as deputy vice chancellor (administration) of the University of Jos. At 58 years old, he brings several firsts to the role: he is the first Yoruba, the first SAN, and the first person from North Central Nigeria to hold this position.
This appointment highlights a trend in INEC’s leadership, where the last four chairmen have all come from academia. From Prof. Maurice Iwu to Prof. Attahiru Jega, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and now Amupitan, the commission has been led by scholars. This pattern contrasts with earlier periods when figures like Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who oversaw the landmark June 12, 1993, presidential election, and others such as Prof. Okon Uya and Prof. Eme Awa, shaped the electoral landscape.
Amupitan, hailing from Ayetoro Gbede in the Kogi West Senatorial District, faces a challenging task ahead. On various media platforms, including radio and television, I have emphasized the importance of setting an agenda for the new INEC leader. As I mentioned on Good Morning Nigeria on NTA, the upcoming Anambra State off-cycle governorship election on November 8, 2025, will serve as a critical test for Amupitan. If he successfully navigates the Senate’s constitutional screening and confirmation process and is sworn in before the election, he will lead the polls. Otherwise, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the acting chairman, will oversee the event.
Those familiar with Amupitan describe him as non-partisan and of integrity. However, his role demands more than academic excellence, non-partisanship, and moral fortitude. The real challenge lies in his ability to resist pressure from the political class, including the president who appointed him, to manipulate the rules in favor of the ruling party and its candidates.
The Broader Political Landscape
The executive branch often seeks to influence electoral management bodies. They may offer incentives or resort to coercion if their demands are not met. Funding is essential for conducting elections, and delays in releasing funds can disrupt electoral plans, ultimately leading to blame being placed on INEC rather than the presidency.
In my presentation at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung 2025 Nigeria Green Academy in Kwali, FCT, titled “Nigeria: State of the Nation,” I highlighted the key players in the political field. These include political parties and contestants, the election management bodies (INEC and SIECs), and various stakeholders such as the National Assembly, the Presidency, security agencies, the media, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and donor partners.
A credible election depends on the collaboration and support of all these entities. For instance, the National Assembly has been slow in finalizing the electoral reform agenda, which should have been completed by mid-2025. Reports suggest that the assembly is considering moving the next general elections from February 2027 to November 2026 to allow time for litigation before the handover date. This shift could impact the credibility of the electoral process.
Challenges Ahead for INEC
The notice of election must be issued one year before the next election, but it remains unclear whether INEC can meet this deadline. Additionally, the proposed reserved seats for Nigerian women and the planned implementation of electronic voting raise concerns about INEC’s readiness. Will the commission have the necessary infrastructure and resources to carry out these initiatives?
Security agencies play a vital role in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections. The Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security includes the armed forces and other agencies responsible for logistics and securing the election environment. If these agencies fail in their duties, politicians might resort to using thugs to intimidate voters and officials.
The judiciary also has a crucial role, especially during pre- and post-election phases. Courts handle disputes over party nominations and electoral outcomes, determining the authenticity of candidates and the legitimacy of election results. The judiciary has even influenced the scheduling of off-cycle elections in several states.
The Role of Media and Civil Society
As I stated on Focus Nigeria on AIT, the media and civil society must independently screen the new INEC chairman and his commissioners. The recent resignation of Uche Nnaji over certificate forgery allegations underscores the need for thorough vetting beyond what security agencies and the Senate provide.
Prof. Joash Amupitan’s appointment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s electoral history. His success will depend on his ability to navigate the complex interplay of political, legal, and administrative challenges. As the nation prepares for future elections, the strength of the electoral system will be tested, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders will determine its outcome.
