Fact or Fiction? Clarifying Prof. Joash Amupitan’s Role in the 2023 Presidential Election Petition
Amid growing public interest in Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan’s nomination as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a persistent claim has circulated online, that he served as “lead counsel” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election petition tribunal. Careful review of official records and credible news sources, however, indicates this claim is unsubstantiated and likely a product of political mischief.
Official announcements by the APC in March 2023 identified a 13-member legal team tasked with defending Tinubu’s victory in the Presidential Election Petition Court. Led by Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and including notable figures like Wole Olanipekun, SAN, the team consisted of experienced Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and legal advisors. Prof. Amupitan’s name does not appear in any of these records, nor do tribunal transcripts or contemporary news reports mention his involvement. Fact-checking outlets have confirmed that no verifiable evidence links him to the APC legal team during that period.
So why has this claim persisted? The timing coincides with Prof. Amupitan’s high-profile nomination as INEC Chairman. Such appointments naturally invite public scrutiny, especially in Nigeria’s politically charged environment. Some online posts and social media discussions appear to mixup his nomination with alleged partisan activities, despite his academic background and reputation as “apolitical,” a representation noted by President Tinubu himself during the nomination announcement.
Examining Prof. Amupitan’s professional record further challenges the narrative of partisan legal involvement. A seasoned law professor and SAN, he has represented a variety of clients across the political spectrum, including opposition figures like Dino Melaye. This diverse portfolio aligns more closely with an independent legal career rather than the portrayal of a politically aligned litigator. Contemporary sources covering his INEC nomination consistently highlight his academic credentials and legal expertise while omitting any reference to participation in the APC’s tribunal defense.
The spread of unverified claims about Prof. Amupitan illustrates a broader challenge in Nigeria’s information ecosystem. Fact checks that fail to provide direct sources, rely on retrospective reports, or amplify partisan concerns risk misleading public discourse. In this case, misreporting his alleged tribunal role has sparked unnecessary debate about potential conflicts of interest, despite no corroborated evidence. Verification through primary sources, official tribunal documents, APC announcements, and credible news reports remains essential for accuracy.
On the whole, evidence suggests that Prof. Amupitan’s legal and academic career remains distinct from any involvement in Tinubu’s 2023 tribunal defense. While public debate over appointments and political neutrality is healthy, it should be grounded in verifiable facts rather than conjecture. As Nigeria navigates politically sensitive processes, accurate reporting and critical engagement with sources are key to sustaining trust in institutions and the broader electoral system.
©️ Adebamiwa Olugbenga Michael
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