November 7, 2025
Nigerian-Senate-during-plenary

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His confirmation followed a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary after an extensive screening and question session by lawmakers at the National Assembly.

Professor Amupitan, who arrived at the Senate earlier in the day, was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. At about 12:50 p.m., he was ushered into the chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.

Before the screening commenced, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to allow visitors into the chamber. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and guests, noting that the nominee had been cleared by the National Security Adviser’s Office, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force after thorough background checks confirmed that he had no criminal record.

The screening session, which began around 12:55 p.m., focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, plans for electoral reforms within INEC, and strategies to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s voting system.

Lawmakers reportedly commended his responses and professional background, describing him as a scholar with vast experience in constitutional and international law.

Following his confirmation, Professor Amupitan is expected to lead preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and to commence early planning for the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria from the University of Jos, to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman.

Tinubu’s nomination letter, read by Senate President Akpabio on Tuesday, urged the Senate to consider and confirm the appointment expeditiously, in line with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Amupitan previously served as Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos, and is widely recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship and public sector reform.

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