The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his successful screening and approval during plenary on Thursday.
The confirmation came after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with a majority of lawmakers endorsing Amupitan’s appointment. The nomination, made by President Bola Tinubu, marks the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s electoral body as preparations intensify for upcoming off-cycle governorship polls and the 2027 general elections.
Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, appeared before the Senate earlier in the day. He was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries to the National Assembly complex, where he exchanged pleasantries with senators before the commencement of proceedings.
The nominee was ushered into the chamber at about 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado. His entry followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), to suspend Order 12 to allow visitors into the chamber.
Welcoming the nominee, Senate President Akpabio commended Amupitan’s academic and professional credentials, noting that he had been thoroughly vetted by security agencies. Akpabio disclosed that the nominee had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force after a background and fingerprint verification confirmed he had no criminal record.
During the screening session, which began at 12:55 p.m., senators engaged the nominee on his plans to strengthen electoral integrity, deepen the use of technology, and ensure transparent elections in Nigeria.
Amupitan, in his remarks, pledged to build on existing reforms within INEC while prioritizing credibility, independence, and inclusivity in the nation’s electoral process. He assured lawmakers of his commitment to upholding fairness and transparency in future elections.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously voted to confirm his appointment.
With his confirmation, Professor Amupitan will officially assume leadership of INEC, succeeding Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has led the commission since 2015.
Amupitan, a renowned scholar and constitutional law expert, previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos and is recognized for his contributions to legal scholarship and governance reform in Nigeria.
His appointment has drawn interest across political and civil society circles, as stakeholders look forward to how his leadership will shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
