The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, following his screening and subsequent approval through a voice vote.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended.
The nominee, who arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and several dignitaries. He was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan and his entourage, noting that all relevant security agencies had cleared the nominee.
“The office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Inspector-General of Police have all confirmed that Professor Amupitan has no criminal record and is fit to serve,” Akpabio said before the commencement of the screening exercise.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow visitors into the chamber, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
During the screening, lawmakers quizzed Amupitan on his plans to strengthen electoral integrity, enhance the independence of the commission, and deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s election process.
Responding, Amupitan assured the Senate of his readiness to work with all stakeholders to ensure credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections.
“My focus will be on restoring public trust in the electoral process, improving logistics, and ensuring that technology serves as a tool for transparency rather than controversy,” he said.
“INEC under my leadership will continue to uphold the principles of fairness, neutrality, and inclusiveness in all elections.”
Following the screening, the Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment after a voice vote.
Professor Amupitan is expected to immediately begin preparations for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation.
The law professor, who once served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is known for his expertise in constitutional and international law.
Akpabio congratulated him on his confirmation, urging him to “live up to the confidence reposed in him by Nigerians and ensure that every vote truly counts.”
