By Erewunmi Peace

Prominent human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has expressed surprise over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying he did not expect the appointment to come from outside Lagos or Osun State.

Adeyanju made the remark on his verified social media handle on Wednesday, shortly after the announcement of the new INEC chairman by the Presidency.

According to him, he had anticipated that President Tinubu, who hails from Lagos, would choose someone from his political circle or from his home region.

“Tinubu surprised me with the appointment of the new INEC Chairman. I honestly thought the person would come from Lagos or Osun, but he proved me wrong,” Adeyanju wrote.

He commended the President for selecting a legal scholar and technocrat who, in his view, could help strengthen the electoral institution if given full independence.

“Professor Amupitan is a respected legal mind. I just hope he will uphold fairness and transparency in future elections,” Adeyanju added.

The Presidency had earlier announced the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, as the new head of the electoral body. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Political analysts have described Tinubu’s choice as “strategic and balancing,” noting that it breaks away from regional expectations. Some observers have also urged Nigerians to judge the new INEC chairman by his performance rather than his origin.

Meanwhile, reactions continue to trail the announcement on social media, with many Nigerians expressing mixed opinions — some praising the President for prioritizing competence over politics, while others remain cautious about how the new leadership will shape future elections.