Senate Approves Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his screening and subsequent approval through a voice vote.

The confirmation, conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, came after Amupitan answered questions from lawmakers on his vision for the nation’s electoral body.

Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and other dignitaries.

He was ushered into the chamber at about 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved that Order 12 be suspended to allow guests into the chamber, a motion seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Welcoming the nominee, Akpabio disclosed that Amupitan had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force after necessary background checks.

The screening focused on Amupitan’s plans for credible elections, electoral reforms, and the deployment of technology to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s voting system.

Following his confirmation, the new INEC chairman is expected to oversee upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The nomination letter was read by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Amupitan, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is renowned for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

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