The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan 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 session, after the nominee underwent screening and responded to questions from lawmakers.
Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, where he exchanged pleasantries with senators and other officials. He was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and a delegation of dignitaries.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., Amupitan was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado. The session proceeded after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow the nominee’s entourage into the chamber. The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Welcoming the nominee, Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the presence of Amupitan’s family and well-wishers, thanking them for their attendance. He informed his colleagues that Amupitan had been thoroughly vetted and cleared by several security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of
State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force, which confirmed that he had no criminal record following a fingerprint verification process.The screening process commenced around 12:55 p.m., with Akpabio laying out the procedures to be followed. The session focused on Amupitan’s plans for reforming INEC, improving transparency in elections, and deepening the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system.
During the interactive session, Amupitan addressed lawmakers on his vision for electoral credibility, institutional strengthening, and how INEC under his leadership would build on existing frameworks to ensure free and fair elections.
His confirmation positions him to begin work immediately on the oversight of upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections, as well as early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan to take over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The nomination was formally presented to the Senate earlier in the week, with the letter read aloud by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
Amupitan, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is highly regarded for his scholarship in constitutional and international law. His appointment marks a significant transition in the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral commission at a critical time for the country’s democratic development.
