The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The confirmation followed a voice vote on Thursday after the nominee successfully went through screening by the upper chamber.
Professor Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, was seen exchanging pleasantries with several senators before the session began. He was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other high-profile dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., Amupitan was ushered into the chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado. His entry came after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow the nominee and guests into the Red Chamber, which was seconded by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the nominee, his family members, and supporters, stating that Amupitan had already been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force, which confirmed he had no criminal record.
The screening session began at 12:55 p.m. and centred on the nominee’s plans to strengthen electoral integrity, introduce institutional reforms, and deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s election system.
Senators commended the nominee’s detailed responses and professional experience, describing him as a credible figure capable of advancing electoral transparency.
With his confirmation, Professor Amupitan will oversee INEC’s operations ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier sent Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman. The letter conveying his nomination was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Akpabio.
Professor Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is renowned for his deep knowledge of constitutional and international law.