The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, appeared before the Senate on Thursday for his screening and confirmation.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day and was accompanied into the chamber by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries. He was formally ushered into the Senate chamber at 12:50 p.m. by Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, before outlining the screening procedures. The session commenced at 12:55 p.m.
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose resignation was recently announced. The nomination letter was read on the Senate floor during Tuesday’s plenary.
Amupitan, a former Dean of Law at the University of Jos, is widely respected for his expertise in constitutional and international law. However, his nomination has sparked mixed reactions from civil society groups and political stakeholders, with renewed calls for reforms to ensure INEC’s independence and transparency.
During the screening, lawmakers are expected to question Amupitan on his vision for credible elections, plans for institutional reforms, and strategies to enhance the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
If confirmed, he will immediately take charge of preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and set the tone for the 2027 general elections.
