Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu nominated Joash Ojo Amupitan, a law professor, as the country’s new electoral chief.
If confirmed by the senate, the 58-year-old scholar will be the first native of Kogi state in the north-central region to head the country’s election agency.
Amupitan was described as an “apolitical” person by Tinubu in a statement posted by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Thursday.
His nomination comes at a time when Nigeria’s electoral commission is under increased scrutiny, with growing calls for greater transparency, better technology, and the quicker announcement of election results.
Amupitan, who currently serves as the deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Jos, has spent more than three decades in academia and legal practice.
His academic work has centered on public law, corporate governance, privatisation, and the law of evidence.
In 2014, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession.
Beyond academics, Amupitan is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of Management and the National Association of Law Teachers.
His nomination to head the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec), which was confirmed by the National Council of State on Thursday, follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu from the electoral body.
“In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the senate for screening,” said Onanuga, the presidential spokesman.
It is hoped that the professor’s expertise in electoral law reform could help restore voter confidence, strengthen the integrity of the voter register, and ensure that technology enhances the electoral process.
Opposition parties have urged him to prioritise public trust over political loyalty and restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We are willing to give him the benefit of doubts based on his track record. He should therefore look beyond the interest of those who have appointed him,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a statement.
Timothy Osadolor, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), told the Punch news website that Amupitan should implement electoral reforms that would reinforce and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
“The fate of over 200 million Nigerians rests on his shoulders,” he said.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its readiness to work with Amupitan, describing him as the “perfect choice” for the job.
If approved by the senate, Amupitan’s first major task would be overseeing the Anambra governorship election, scheduled for next month.
By BBC News
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