The Senate, on Thursday, October 16, screened Prof. Joash Amupitan, nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The president had earlier written the Senate, formally seeking the confirmation of the professor of Law as the new INEC boss, to replace Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who recently stepped down, following the expiration of his tenure.
The president’s letter was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday. According to the letter, the nomination is in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for such appointments.
Prof. Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly complex on Thursday, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. He was ushered into the chamber around 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
Before the screening commenced, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be suspended to allow visitors into the chamber, a motion seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
During the screening, Amupitan outlined his vision for deepening electoral credibility in Nigeria, pledging to strengthen institutional reforms within INEC and expand the deployment of technology to ensure more transparent and efficient elections. He also responded to questions from senators on various issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral systems and how he would address them if confirmed as the new INEC chairman.
He was thereafter confirmed after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who noted that the nominee had been cleared by all relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Senator Akpabio commended Amupitan’s credentials and expressed confidence in his ability to uphold the independence and integrity of the electoral body.
With his confirmation, Amupitan is expected to immediately assume office and begin preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, as well as get set for the 2027 general elections.
