The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a voice vote after his screening and Q&A session.
Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly earlier, exchanging pleasantries with Senators. He was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries. At 12:50 p.m., he was ushered into the chamber by Senator Abubakar Lado, the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate).
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved to suspend Order 12 to allow visitors, a motion seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, enabling Amupitan’s entry.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and supporters, noting that the nominee had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Inspector-General of Police—who confirmed he has no criminal record.
The screening began at 12:55 p.m. with Akpabio outlining procedures. Senators questioned Amupitan on his vision for credible elections, institutional reforms, and the integration of technology within INEC.
Following confirmation, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of Law at the University of Jos, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. He is widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional and international law.
