Nigeria names 'apolitical' regulation professor as new electoral chief

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Joash Ojo Amupitan’s nomination awaits approval by the senate [Joseph Ayo Babalola University]

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has nominated Joash Ojo Amupitan, a regulation professor, because the nation’s new electoral chief.

If confirmed by the senate, the 58-year-old scholar would be the first native of Kogi state within the north-central area to move the nation’s election company.

Amupitan was described as an “apolitical” particular person by Tinubu in an announcement posted by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Thursday.

His nomination comes at a time when Nigeria’s electoral fee is beneath elevated scrutiny, with rising requires higher transparency, higher know-how, and the faster announcement of election outcomes.

Amupitan, who at the moment serves because the deputy vice-chancellor on the College of Jos, has spent greater than three many years in academia and authorized observe.

His tutorial work has centered on public regulation, company governance, privatisation, and the regulation of proof.

In 2014, he was conferred with the celebrated rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in recognition of his contributions to the authorized occupation.

Past teachers, Amupitan can be a member of the Nigerian Bar Affiliation, the Nigerian Institute of Administration and the Nationwide Affiliation of Regulation Academics.

His nomination to move the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (Inec), which was confirmed by the Nationwide Council of State on Thursday, follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu from the electoral physique.

“In compliance with the structure, President Tinubu will now ship Amupitan’s identify to the senate for screening,” mentioned Onanuga, the presidential spokesman.

It’s hoped that the professor’s experience in electoral regulation reform might assist restore voter confidence, strengthen the integrity of the voter register, and be certain that know-how enhances the electoral course of.

Opposition events have urged him to prioritise public belief over political loyalty and restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

“We’re keen to present him the good thing about doubts based mostly on his observe report. He ought to subsequently look past the curiosity of those that have appointed him,” mentioned Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in an announcement.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its readiness to work with Amupitan, describing him because the “excellent selection” for the job.

If accredited by the senate, Amupitan’s first main activity could be overseeing the Anambra governorship election, scheduled for subsequent month.