By Peter Omopo
Abuja – The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).His confirmation followed a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary, after Amupitan underwent screening and responded to questions from lawmakers.
Professor Amupitan, a Professor of Law and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., he was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado. The motion to admit him was moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and seconded by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Welcoming the nominee, Senate President Akpabio commended Amupitan’s family and supporters for their presence and assured them of a fair screening process.
Akpabio disclosed that Amupitan had been cleared by all relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
“The reports before us confirm that Professor Amupitan has no criminal record and has been duly cleared by all security agencies,” Akpabio stated.
The screening, which commenced shortly after 12:55 p.m., focused on the nominee’s vision for credible elections, institutional reforms at INEC, and the integration of technology to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Following his confirmation, Professor Amupitan is expected to immediately assume office, overseeing preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and laying the foundation for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman, a development conveyed in a letter read by Akpabio on the Senate floor during Tuesday’s plenary.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional and international law and is expected to bring legal precision and institutional reforms to Nigeria’s electoral management body.
