Senate Approves Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Senate has officially approved Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His confirmation followed a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after a screening session where he responded to questions from lawmakers.

Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly Complex earlier in the day, exchanging pleasantries with senators before the session began. He was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, alongside several dignitaries.

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was led into the Senate chamber by Senator Abubakar Lado, the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate). His admittance was made possible after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved to suspend Order 12, a motion seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Welcoming Amupitan, his family, and his well-wishers, Akpabio expressed appreciation for their attendance. Before the session commenced, he informed members that the nominee had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police, with confirmation that he had no criminal record.

The screening exercise began at 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening statement on the procedures to be followed. During the session, senators focused on Amupitan’s plans for credible elections, his vision for reform within INEC, and his strategy for improving the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system.

After an engaging question-and-answer session, the Senate confirmed Amupitan’s appointment. He will now lead preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and oversee the early groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The President’s letter of nomination was read on the Senate floor by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is recognized for his strong background in constitutional and international law. His appointment is widely viewed as a step toward strengthening transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.