President Tinubu had recently nominated Professor Amupitan to head INEC, following the completion of Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure as chairman. On Thursday, the Council of State unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination, which is now subject to Senate confirmation.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, is a professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, where he currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
However, shortly after his nomination, allegations surfaced suggesting that he was among the legal practitioners who represented Tinubu at the presidential election petition tribunal.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ogala dismissed the claims as false and misleading, insisting that Amupitan had no involvement with the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team.
“As the erstwhile coordinator of that legal team, I feel compelled, not as a rejoinder but in the service of truth and public interest, to set the records straight and allay any concerns these malicious fabrications may have caused among well-meaning Nigerians,” Ogala said.
He further clarified that Amupitan’s name did not appear among the 123 lawyers formally engaged to represent Tinubu, including 60 Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
“At no time during the entire process was his counsel, opinion, or professional service sought or rendered,” he stated, adding that anyone doubting his claim should produce verifiable evidence to the contrary.
Ogala also advised members of the public to apply for certified true copies of all legal documents filed on behalf of Tinubu during the tribunal proceedings to confirm the authenticity of his statement.
He warned against the deliberate twisting of facts to stir public tension, saying such acts could endanger national unity and peace.
Further checks by TheCable confirmed that Professor Amupitan’s name was not listed among counsels in the certified true copies of the tribunal and Supreme Court verdicts on the 2023 presidential election.
