Nigeria’s Council of State on Thursday threw its weight behind key institutional appointments proposed by President Bola Tinubu, approving the nomination of Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Dr Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).
The Council’s endorsement came during its meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, presided over by President Tinubu.
Former Heads of State, state governors, and other senior government officials deliberated on major national issues, including justice reform, population management, and the electoral process.
Amupitan’s nomination marks the end of an era at the nation’s electoral umpire following the completion of Prof Mahmood Yakubu’s historic 10-year tenure.
Yakubu, who served two consecutive terms between 2015 and 2025, was credited with introducing sweeping reforms in election technology, voter education, and institutional transparency.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said President Tinubu described Amupitan as “a scholar of impeccable integrity, apolitical, and deeply committed to constitutionalism.”
According to him, the nomination reflects the President’s determination to sustain public confidence in the electoral process and deepen democratic governance through credible leadership at INEC.
Amupitan, a native of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.
A distinguished Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) since 2014, he has built an extensive career in legal education, constitutional law, and governance studies.
He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State. His scholarship and public engagements have earned him national and international recognition as an advocate for the rule of law, electoral justice, and institutional accountability.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who addressed journalists after the meeting, hailed the nomination as “a reflection of merit, competence, and inclusiveness.”
He said Amupitan “represents a bridge between academic excellence and public service accountability,” adding that his appointment would “further strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
In the same vein, the Council approved the appointment of Yusuf as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).
Yusuf, a demography and development expert with over 25 years of experience in population studies and policy implementation, is expected to steer the commission through its forthcoming national population and housing census, Nigeria’s first in nearly two decades.
Both nominees are to undergo screening and confirmation by the Senate as required under Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
