Tinubu reportedly selects next INEC chairman
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly chosen Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan as the likely successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Sahara Reporters, Yakubu was asked to proceed on terminal leave ahead of the conclusion of his second term in November 2025.
The decision allegedly follows concerns over Yakubu’s actions toward the close of his tenure.
This includes moves to register new political parties and alleged support of a candidate in the Imo State governorship election.
These developments reportedly caused disruptions at INEC, leading to the cancellation of Yakubu’s final consultative meetings with political parties and civil society groups.
Yakubu first became INEC Chairman in 2015, serving a five-year term before being reappointed in 2020.
His leadership has overseen national elections for a decade.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kogi State, is an experienced legal scholar and administrator with over 34 years of professional experience.
He currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
He holds a Bachelor of Law, Master of Law, and Ph.D. in Law from the University of Jos.
Over his career, he has held key positions including Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of Department of Public Law, and membership on multiple governing councils.
