By Fatima Saka, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a voice vote that capped a comprehensive screening session on Thursday.
Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned constitutional law expert, arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries. He exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before proceeding to the Senate chamber.
At about 12:50 p.m., he was ushered in by Senator Abubakar Lado, Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate). To accommodate his entourage, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to suspend Order 12 — seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warmly welcomed Professor Amupitan, his family, and supporters, commending the nominee’s distinguished academic and professional record. Akpabio also confirmed that Amupitan had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police, with no criminal record detected during background checks.
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The screening exercise began at 12:55 p.m., with senators questioning the nominee on his plans to strengthen electoral credibility, reform INEC’s internal processes, and enhance the use of technology in future elections.
With his confirmation, Professor Amupitan is now set to lead the commission through the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and oversee preparations for the 2027 general polls.
A former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan is widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional and international law and is expected to bring a reform-driven and transparent approach to Nigeria’s electoral system.
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