The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a thorough screening session and voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and renowned Professor of Law at the University of Jos, had earlier been nominated for the role by President Bola Tinubu to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The President’s letter seeking his confirmation was read on the Senate floor on Tuesday.
The nominee, in the company of his wife, Barrister Favour Amupitan, children, including Marvelous and Beloved, arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and several dignitaries.
Amupitan’s Family
He was ushered into the chamber around 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, after the Senate suspended its Order 12 to admit visitors into the chamber, a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Welcoming the nominee, Senate President Akpabio commended Amupitan’s professional pedigree and acknowledged the presence of his family and well-wishers.
Akpabio informed lawmakers that the nominee had been cleared by multiple security agencies, including the National Security Adviser’s office, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force, all of which confirmed that Amupitan had no criminal record.
During the screening, senators engaged the nominee on critical issues such as his plans to strengthen INEC’s institutional independence, improve transparency in elections, and expand the deployment of technology to enhance electoral credibility.
Amupitan outlined a reform-oriented agenda aimed at restoring public trust and consolidating democratic gains ahead of the 2027 general elections.
After the interactive session, the Senate unanimously approved his appointment through a voice vote.
With the confirmation, Professor Amupitan officially assumes leadership of INEC, where he will oversee the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and steer preparations for the next nationwide polls.
Amupitan, a respected constitutional and international law expert, previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the legal and ethical foundations of Nigeria’s electoral system.
