Senate Confirms Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

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

Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu. His nomination was sent to the Red Chamber by President Bola Tinubu and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday.

The confirmation followed a detailed screening process during which Amupitan addressed senators on his plans to strengthen electoral integrity, institutional reforms, and the use of technology in future elections.

Before the session began, Akpabio informed lawmakers that the nominee had been cleared by multiple security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

“The nominee has been vetted and cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Inspector-General of Police.

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There is no criminal record found against him,” Akpabio announced.

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

He exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before being ushered into the chamber at about 12:50 p.m. by Senator Abubakar Lado, the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate).

To accommodate the nominee and his entourage, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12, a motion that was seconded by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Welcoming Amupitan and his family to the chamber, Akpabio commended the nominee’s academic and professional achievements, describing him as “a distinguished legal mind with a solid track record of public service.”

Lawmakers Quiz INEC Chairman on Reforms

During the screening, senators questioned Amupitan on his vision for electoral transparency, strategies for improving voter confidence, and how INEC would adopt technology to curb irregularities in future polls.

The nominee assured the lawmakers of his commitment to delivering credible and transparent elections, promising to prioritise staff training, collaboration with civil society, and improved logistics management.

“INEC must remain independent, transparent, and people-focused. My priority will be to strengthen institutional capacity, ensure timely logistics, and deepen the use of technology to enhance trust in our electoral process,” he stated.

Following his confirmation, Amupitan is expected to immediately assume office and oversee preparations for the off-cycle governorship elections later this year.

He will also spearhead early planning for the 2027 general elections, which analysts say will be a major test of his leadership.