The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On Tuesday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that, barring any last-minute changes, President Bola Tinubu was set to appoint Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu after his 10-year tenure spanning two terms.

SaharaReporters also exclusively reported that to formalise the appointment, the President had scheduled a meeting of the Council of State for today (Thursday). 

Amupitan is both a kinsman and longtime legal counsel for Senator Dino Melaye.

On September 26, 2025, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that Amupitan had emerged as the likely candidate to succeed Yakubu as the INEC National Chairman.