The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a voice vote by lawmakers after his screening session.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, was screened at the National Assembly complex where he fielded questions on electoral reforms, technology integration, and his vision for credible elections in Nigeria.
He arrived at the Red Chamber accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. His nomination had earlier been vetted and cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, with reports confirming he has no criminal record.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, welcomed Amupitan and his entourage, commending their presence before proceedings began. The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be suspended to allow visitors into the chamber, a motion seconded by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
During the screening, lawmakers engaged Amupitan on strategies for strengthening institutional independence within INEC, ensuring transparency in future elections, and improving voter confidence through technology-driven reforms.
Following his confirmation, Amupitan will immediately assume responsibility for supervising upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated him to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended.
The new INEC chairman is a scholar and legal practitioner, previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, and is widely recognised for his expertise in constitutional and international law.
