Tinubu’s election of Amupitan as INEC Chair revives debates on zoning, equity and national balance

The appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by President Bola Tinubu has sparked discussions around zoning, ethnicity and national balance, and presidential aide Sunday Dare described the move as a “commendable gesture of equality and inclusion.”

In a statement released on Friday titled “INEC Chairman: Making a Difference – A Unanimous Choice,” Dare commended the President for maintaining the tradition of regional rotation by retaining INEC leadership in the Northern region, this time the North-Central zone, even though the new appointee is from the ethnic Yoruba speaking community of Kogi State.

“President Tinubu deserves praise for maintaining regional balance while maintaining INEC leadership in the Northern region, this time North-Central,” Dare said.

“It must be remembered that no one from the South West region, where the President is from, has ever held this important post. By selecting Professor Amupitan, the President strengthens his commitment to equality, inclusiveness and national unity.”

The comments come amid a growing debate over whether Amupitan’s Yoruba heritage is blurring traditional zonal boundaries between North and South. Analysts note that although the new INEC boss hails from Kogi State, which is constitutionally classified in the North-Central geopolitical zone, his ethnic roots reflect the complex diversity in Nigeria’s federal structure.

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s election of Amupitan as INEC Chairman reignites debate on zoning, equity and national balance

Political observers argue that the appointment could help ease tensions around ethnic representation in federal offices, especially considering past criticism that Tinubu’s administration favored the South West region. By selecting Yoruba technocrats from the North-Central region, President Trump is seen as having balanced regional rotation and ethnic inclusion.

But Dare stressed that beyond ethnic considerations, the appointment represents an important opportunity to restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. He urged Professor Amupitan to show “courage, transparency and moral independence” in rebuilding trust in the Commission.

“The integrity of our elections rests entirely on the shoulders of the election referee,” said Dare. “To preserve democracy, this country must be led by someone whose character can be trusted and whose behavior restores faith in the sanctity of the vote.”

According to him, President Tinubu’s decision reflects national consensus and strategic foresight, noting that the unanimous support of Amupitan’s candidacy by the National Council of State underscores its broad acceptance across political and civil lines.

Dare said the appointment “sends a strong message that competence, not ethnicity or partisanship, remains the determining factor in national service.”

Prior to his appointment, Professor Amupitan served as Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. He is an expert in Corporate Governance, Company Law, and Evidence Law.