By Grace One
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has lauded the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a well-deserved recognition of competence, integrity, and merit.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, and signed by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the Forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it called a “well-considered choice,” noting that Professor Amupitan’s nomination and endorsement by the Council of State marked a positive step toward restoring credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to the MBF, Professor Amupitan, a distinguished son of the Middle Belt from Kogi State, is eminently qualified for the position, having built an illustrious career as a scholar, legal luminary, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The Forum highlighted that Professor Amupitan had served with excellence in academia, particularly as a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he mentored many of Nigeria’s current generation of lawyers. It emphasized his deep understanding of constitutional law, governance, and electoral jurisprudence, qualities it said uniquely prepared him to handle the enormous responsibilities that come with heading the nation’s electoral body.
“The Middle Belt Forum warmly congratulates Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his nomination as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and his subsequent endorsement by the Council of State. We equally extend our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this well-considered choice,” the statement read in part.
The Forum further expressed optimism that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC would regain public trust and restore integrity to the nation’s electoral system, which it said had been seriously eroded under the previous administration of the commission.
“It is the considered opinion of the MBF that the immediate past leadership of INEC left behind a legacy marred by serious electoral irregularities and widespread loss of public trust. Professor Amupitan’s appointment, therefore, presents an opportunity to rebuild the integrity of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission and ensure that elections truly reflect the will of the people,” the statement continued.
The MBF underscored the enormity of the task ahead, noting that the new INEC boss would now preside over Nigeria’s “democratic recruitment process,” overseeing elections at all levels — from the Presidency and Governorships to the National and State Assemblies.
“Professor Amupitan now assumes a role that is no less critical: he would now be the head handler of Nigeria’s democratic recruitment process, overseeing elections from the Presidency to Governorships, and from the National Assembly to State Legislatures,” the Forum said.
Expressing full confidence in the new appointee, the MBF said it was convinced that, true to the Middle Belt’s long-standing values, Professor Amupitan would discharge his duties with honesty, fairness, professionalism, and the fear of God.
“We are confident that, in keeping with the Middle Belt’s tradition, he will discharge his duties with honesty, fairness, professionalism, and the fear of God,” the group added.
The Forum also called on the Nigerian Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation process to enable Professor Amupitan to immediately begin the critical task of deepening electoral integrity and strengthening democratic governance.
“We trust that the Nigerian Senate will, in its wisdom, screen, clear, and confirm this outstanding patriot to enable him to commence his vital task of deepening electoral integrity and democratic governance,” the MBF said.
In conclusion, the Middle Belt Forum reiterated its gratitude to President Tinubu for recognizing merit and competence in his selection, describing the appointment as one that resonates with the nation’s desire for credible leadership at the electoral commission.
“Once again, the Middle Belt Forum heartily congratulates Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) and expresses sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing merit, character, and competence in this appointment,” the statement concluded.
Middle-Belt Times 