The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his screening and approval through a voice vote.
The confirmation, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, came after Amupitan responded to lawmakers’ questions about his plans for strengthening the nation’s electoral system.
Earlier in the day, the nominee arrived at the National Assembly in the company of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and other dignitaries. He was ushered into the chamber around 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
Before the screening, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow guests into the chamber, which was seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
In his remarks, Akpabio revealed that Amupitan had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force following standard security checks.
During the screening, Amupitan outlined his vision for credible elections, comprehensive electoral reforms, and the increased use of technology to promote transparency and public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
With his confirmation, Professor Amupitan is expected to oversee the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and commence early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The nomination letter was read by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Professor Amupitan, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional and international law.