From Akpata to Amupitan: How INEC Chairmen Have Shaped Nigeria’s Democracy Since 1999

Since 1999, Nigeria’s democracy has risen, stumbled, and risen again — and through every election, one institution has stood at the centre of it all: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

From the late Justice Ephraim Akpata, who midwifed the Fourth Republic, to Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed electoral chief, INEC’s seven chairmen have each faced the same test — conducting credible polls in a country where trust in the process is often harder to earn than the votes themselves.

Here’s a look at those who have held the baton and how their leadership shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Ephraim Akpata (1998–2000): The Man Who Midwifed the Fourth Republic

Appointed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1998, Ephraim Akpata faced one of the most delicate assignments in Nigeria’s history: organizing the transition elections that would end years of military rule.

A native of Edo State, Akpata had earlier served as a Justice of the Supreme Court before retiring in 1993 at the age of 65. Five years later, he was called back to national service when the Abubakar administration established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.

Under his leadership, the 1998/1999 general elections successfully ushered in the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999, with Olusegun Obasanjo emerging as president. The polls were criticized for irregularities, yet for many Nigerians, they symbolized hope and a long-awaited end to military dictatorship.

To promote national unity and prevent the rise of ethnically based parties, Akpata introduced a new rule requiring political parties to have broad national appeal. He stipulated that a party must win local government seats in at least ten states to qualify for gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential elections.

Out of 26 political associations, only nine were granted provisional registration, and just three met the criteria to contest the state and national elections. This policy encouraged smaller groups to form alliances, most notably the Group of 34, which later became the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Akpata’s sudden death in early 2000 brought an abrupt end to a remarkable career. Though his tenure was brief, his contribution to laying the foundation of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic remains one of the most significant in the country’s electoral history.

Abel Guobadia (2000–2005): Obasanjo’s First Electoral Chief

Abel Guobadia, another Edo son, succeeded Akpata in May 2000. He oversaw the 2003 general elections, which returned President Obasanjo for a second term.

Guobadia’s five-year tenure was marked by modest reforms but also widespread criticism of the 2003 polls. Observers accused INEC of bias and poor logistics, but Guobadia defended his commission, saying Nigeria’s democracy was “still learning to walk.”

He quietly bowed out in 2005, leaving behind an INEC struggling to regain credibility.

Maurice Iwu (2005–2010): The Controversial Professor

When Maurice Iwu, a professor from Imo State, took over as INEC chairman in 2005, many Nigerians hoped that his academic background would bring transparency and credibility to the electoral process.

However, his tenure soon became associated with one of the most controversial elections in Nigeria’s democratic history—the 2007 general elections.

Under Iwu’s leadership, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won the presidential election and was sworn in on May 29, 2007. Both local and international observers described the polls as deeply flawed.

The European Union Election Observation Mission called them “the worst elections they had ever seen anywhere in the world,” citing widespread vote rigging, violence, ballot box snatching, and voter intimidation.

Even Yar’Adua himself later admitted that the process was far from credible and publicly promised to reform Nigeria’s electoral system.

Iwu’s time in office was dogged by allegations of partisanship, poor communication, and opaque decision-making. Critics accused him of tilting the electoral process in favor of the ruling party.

He was removed from office in 2010 by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.

Attahiru Jega (2010–2015): The Reformer Who Made History

Attahiru Jega, a professor and former university union leader from Kebbi State, was appointed in 2010. Jega introduced a series of reforms, including biometric voter registration, improved logistics, and transparent result collation.

Under his watch, the 2011 general elections showed visible improvements. But it was the 2015 general elections that defined his legacy.

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, lost at the polls and peacefully conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jega’s calm, methodical approach earned him praise across party lines. Many Nigerians still regard him as one of the most credible INEC chairmen in the country’s history.

Amina Zakari (2015): INEC’s First Female Chairman

Following Jega’s exit in June 2015, Amina Zakari from Jigawa State briefly became acting INEC chairman.

Her short tenure, from June to November 2015, ensured administrative continuity before the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Zakari was the first woman to be appointed to the leadership position in INEC’s history.

Despite her brief stay, her appointment stirred mild controversy due to alleged family ties to President Buhari, a claim she publicly denied.

Mahmood Yakubu (2015–2025): The Technocrat with a Tough Job

In November 2015, Mahmood Yakubu from Bauchi State took over as INEC chairman. His tenure was defined by the introduction of technology and the growing tension between innovation and credibility.

Yakubu introduced the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to reduce vote manipulation and increase transparency. These innovations were pivotal during the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

However, the 2023 polls tested INEC’s reputation. Delays in result uploads, technical glitches, and allegations of irregularities drew widespread criticism. While Yakubu defended the process as free and fair, many Nigerians felt the election fell short of expectations.

Yakubu nonetheless made history as the first INEC chairman to be reappointed for a second term, serving nearly ten years before being succeeded in 2025.

Joash Ojo Amupitan (2025–present): The Law Professor Takes the Baton

Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, was appointed in October 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed Mahmood Yakubu.

Born in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan brings to INEC a strong background in law, governance, and academia. He previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Jos and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

A seasoned scholar and author, Amupitan has written extensively on corporate governance, constitutional law, and public accountability. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014 and has served on several national boards, including the Council of Legal Education.

His appointment marks a new phase for INEC, with expectations that his legal expertise and administrative experience will help deepen electoral transparency and consolidate the reforms introduced by his predecessors.

As he takes the helm, Nigerians will once again watch closely—hoping that the nation’s electoral umpire continues to evolve toward greater credibility and independence.