The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His confirmation followed a voice vote after he was screened and questioned by lawmakers at the National Assembly on Thursday.
Professor Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, where he was received by Senators. He was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. At about 12:50 p.m., he was escorted into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
Before the screening began, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow visitors into the chamber, and the motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and other guests, appreciating their presence in the chamber. He informed his colleagues that the nominee had already been cleared by the National Security Adviser’s office, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force after thorough background checks confirmed he had no criminal record.
The screening, which began around 12:55 p.m., focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for electoral reforms within INEC, and strategies to enhance the use of technology in Nigeria’s voting process.
According to Okay News, lawmakers commended his responses and professional background, describing him as a scholar with vast experience in constitutional and international law.
Following his confirmation, Professor Amupitan is expected to lead preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin early planning for the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria from the University of Jos, to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman. The President’s nomination letter was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Akpabio.
Amupitan previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos and is widely recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship and public sector reform.
