Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), the nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has categorically denied claims that he served on President Bola Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Amupitan issued the denial on Thursday while facing the Senate during his confirmation screening, following a direct question from Senator Seriake Dickson.
“I never and did not appear at any time whatsoever at the Presidential Election Tribunal,” he said in response.
The denial follows widespread reports and social media posts alleging that, Amupitan acted as lead counsel for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the legal battle over the 2023 presidential election.
One viral post, dated October 10, 2025, claimed, “The newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, previously served as lead counsel to the APC and President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
“It is evident that Tinubu has appointed a close ally to head the commission, a move that could potentially compromise the neutrality and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process in 2027.”
But the nominee, Prof. Amupitan refuted the allegation as false and misleading, saying he has never been involved in any legal proceedings related to the 2023 presidential election.
The nominee, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and constitutional law expert, stated this prior to his screening by the senators and civil society groups, who have raised concerns about the need for impartiality and credibility at the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While some senators expressed satisfaction with his credentials, others have called for deeper vetting, citing the sensitivity of the INEC chair position in a politically charged climate.
Having been approved of credentials by the lawmakers, Prof. Amupitan would be responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s next major elections, including the 2027 general polls.
The INEC chair plays a critical role in ensuring electoral transparency, neutrality, and public confidence in the democratic process.
