As Nigeria edges closer to another political transition cycle, conversations are already building around the future of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The tenure of its current chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is gradually winding down, and speculations are rife about who will succeed him. In what is being described as an “exclusive insight,” legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Joash Amupitan, has reportedly emerged as a strong contender for the role.
Although no official confirmation has been made by the Presidency or the Commission, the news of Amupitan’s potential nomination has already stirred discussions across political and academic circles. Many see him as a credible choice, given his deep academic background, legal expertise, and decades-long commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Others, however, caution against premature celebrations, stressing that the process of appointing an INEC Chairman is rigorous and must pass through several constitutional steps.
Who Is Professor Joash Amupitan?
Professor Amupitan is no stranger to Nigeria’s legal and academic communities. A distinguished scholar, he holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Jos, where he has spent most of his career. Rising through the ranks from an assistant lecturer in 1989, he became a full professor of law in 2008. His areas of expertise include Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, Privatization Law, and Electoral Reforms — subjects that are directly relevant to Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
In recognition of his contributions to legal scholarship and practice, Amupitan was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014. Beyond academia, he has served in several capacities, including as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State. His reputation as a disciplined, reform-minded legal professional has fueled calls for his consideration in a role as sensitive as INEC Chairmanship.
Why His Name Is Generating Buzz
The emergence of Amupitan’s name as a likely successor to Mahmood Yakubu is not entirely surprising. Nigeria’s democratic journey has been marred by accusations of electoral fraud, voter suppression, and manipulation of results. With the growing demand for credible and transparent elections, there is increasing pressure on the government to appoint someone with integrity, competence, and little political baggage.
Amupitan fits this description for several reasons:
- Strong academic grounding – His work on electoral law reform positions him as someone with theoretical and practical understanding of Nigeria’s electoral challenges.
- Non-partisan profile – Unlike some past INEC chairmen who were accused of political bias, Amupitan has no widely known political affiliations, which makes him more acceptable across party lines.
- Reformist orientation – His public advocacy for corporate governance and transparency aligns with the demand for a transparent electoral system.
These qualities explain why his name is increasingly mentioned in discussions about INEC’s leadership succession.
The Yakubu Legacy
Before examining what an Amupitan-led INEC might look like, it is important to reflect on the legacy of Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Appointed in 2015 and reappointed in 2020, Yakubu has overseen two general elections (2019 and 2023). His tenure has been mixed: praised for innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and criticized for logistical lapses, result transmission controversies, and perceived compromises.
As Yakubu’s tenure draws to a close, the search for a credible successor is more than just routine. It represents a critical decision that could shape Nigeria’s democracy for years to come.
The Appointment Process
The process of selecting an INEC Chairman is not arbitrary. According to the Nigerian Constitution, the President nominates a candidate, who is then screened by the Department of State Services (DSS), subjected to advisory review by the National Council of State, and finally confirmed by the Senate.
At the time of writing, there is no official indication that these processes have begun in relation to Amupitan. This means that while his name may be circulating in political and media circles, the journey to confirmation — if indeed he is nominated — is still a long one.
Reactions to the Speculation
The speculation around Amupitan’s emergence has drawn mixed reactions.
- Civil society groups have cautiously welcomed the idea, noting his academic integrity but warning that Nigeria’s political system has a way of compromising even the most upright individuals.
- Political observers argue that appointing someone like Amupitan would signal a genuine commitment by President Bola Tinubu’s government to strengthening democracy.
- Skeptics however, believe the speculation may be politically motivated or part of an elite bargaining game ahead of Yakubu’s exit.
The diversity of opinions highlights how sensitive the INEC leadership question is in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
What Nigerians Expect From the Next INEC Chairman
Regardless of who eventually emerges as Yakubu’s successor, Nigerians have high expectations. The next INEC Chairman must:
- Guarantee the independence of the Commission.
- Ensure transparency in voter registration, accreditation, and result collation.
- Build public trust in the electoral process.
- Protect the institution from political interference.
Whether Professor Amupitan or another candidate is chosen, these expectations remain non-negotiable.
Conclusion
The speculation that Professor Joash Amupitan may succeed Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s political discourse. While the news remains unconfirmed, his profile and track record make him a strong candidate worthy of serious consideration.
As Nigerians anticipate official announcements, one thing is clear: the choice of the next INEC Chairman will either strengthen or weaken the nation’s democratic process. For a country yearning for credible elections and good governance, the decision cannot afford to be taken lightly.
In the end, whether it is Amupitan or someone else, the ultimate question remains: will Nigeria finally get an electoral umpire who can deliver elections that truly reflect the will of the people?
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