BREAKING: Prof. Joash Amupitan Confirmed as INEC Chairman by Senate

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a thorough screening and a voice vote by lawmakers.

Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, arrived at the National Assembly alongside Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries. He was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Abubakar Lado, ahead of the commencement of the confirmation exercise.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the nominee, his family, and supporters, noting that Amupitan had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, and the Inspector-General of Police, with no criminal record.

The screening session centered on Amupitan’s plans for institutional reforms within INEC, strategies to ensure credible elections, and the use of technology to enhance the electoral process.

With his confirmation, Prof. Amupitan is now tasked with supervising off-cycle governorship elections and laying the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, highlighting his expertise in constitutional and international law as a key asset for the electoral body.