Our Reporter
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the beginning of a new phase for Nigeria’s electoral umpire.
Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was confirmed following a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after a rigorous screening session that focused on his vision for credible elections, institutional reform, and deepening the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
President Bola Tinubu had nominated the University of Jos scholar to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended recently. The nomination was read on the Senate floor on Tuesday by Akpabio.
Before the screening commenced, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow visitors into the chamber — a motion seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
The nominee, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries, was introduced into the chamber around 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
In his remarks, Akpabio announced that Amupitan had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police, confirming that he had no criminal records.
During his interaction with lawmakers, Amupitan outlined plans to strengthen INEC’s independence, ensure voter confidence, and expand the commission’s technological framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following his confirmation, Amupitan will immediately take charge of preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lead the commission’s efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in future polls.
Widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law, Amupitan is a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos and a respected voice in Nigeria’s legal community.
His appointment comes at a critical time for the nation’s democracy, as stakeholders call for deeper electoral reforms and renewed trust in INEC’s ability to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.