The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has clarified its position regarding the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing that it never questioned his academic or professional qualifications.

In a public notice issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, and signed by the association, ALDRAP explained that its earlier letter to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria merely sought clarification on Prof. Amupitan’s alleged political affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC), not to challenge his competence or eligibility for the position.

“At no time did we seek his disqualification on grounds of his not meeting the academic and cognate criteria,” the association stated. “Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN is pre-eminently qualified to hold the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) based on his academic and cognate qualifications as outlined in his curriculum vitae.”

ALDRAP went on to highlight several aspects of Prof. Amupitan’s professional record, describing him as a man of proven impartiality, integrity, and sound judgment.

According to the statement, Prof. Amupitan served as a Member of the Council of Legal Education from 2008 to 2014, where he contributed to the accreditation of law faculties across Nigerian universities without any petitions against him. He also held membership in the Appointments and Promotions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) during the same period, where he was noted for fairness and professionalism.

Since 2022, Prof. Amupitan has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, overseeing staff promotions and vetting committee reports with what ALDRAP described as “strict adherence to criteria and impartial judgment.”

The association also noted his decades-long service at the University of Jos, where he has supervised over 70 PhD and 7,000 LLM candidates without a single petition from students.

“His long-standing membership in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) since 1988 without any record of professional misconduct further underscores his suitability for public office,” ALDRAP stated.

Additionally, the association cited his role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Abuja Investment Company since 2018, and as a legal consultant to the House of Representatives Committee on Law Reform between 2018 and 2019, where he reviewed over 500 laws, including the Petroleum Industry Bill.

“These are clear indicators that he has consistently displayed good judgment, integrity, and professionalism,” the statement added. “If he could navigate complex institutional environments such as the National Assembly without controversy, he is well capable of directing the affairs of INEC.”

ALDRAP concluded by expressing confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s capacity to lead INEC effectively, adding that it issued the clarification to dispel any misconceptions about its earlier correspondence with the Senate.

“We hope this public notice provides sufficient clarification,” the statement ended.

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