BREAKING: Senate Screens Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman-Designate

The Senate today commenced the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the National Assembly complex.

Amupitan, a distinguished Professor of Law from the University of Jos, arrived at the Senate accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other notable dignitaries. He exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before being ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Abubakar Lado.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence. The screening began shortly after 12:55 p.m., with Akpabio outlining the procedures to assess the nominee’s qualifications and vision for the electoral body.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate, following the resignation of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

His appointment has drawn mixed reactions from civil society organizations and political stakeholders, with calls for reforms to enhance the independence, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

During the screening, Senators are expected to probe Amupitan’s strategies for conducting credible elections, plans for institutional reforms, and initiatives to deepen technology adoption in the electoral system.

If confirmed, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and spearhead the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.