Nigeria’s National Council of State has unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to lead the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The approval was given at the Council’s meeting on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following the end of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure earlier in October.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga announced the decision, noting that President Tinubu formally presented Amupitan’s name to the Council during the session. In line with procedure, the appointment will still proceed to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law from Kogi State and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He has been associated with the University of Jos, where he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and has chaired the governing council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, underscoring a long career in legal scholarship and university leadership. He is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position.

Yakubu, who led INEC from 2015 until October 2025, recently stepped down, with National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu currently serving in acting capacity. The Council’s endorsement of Amupitan sets the stage for a transition at the election management body ahead of upcoming off-cycle polls and preparations for the 2027 general elections.