Senate confirms Amupitan as INEC chairman

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a voice vote by lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary session.

Amupitan’s confirmation came after a screening exercise during which he answered questions from senators about his vision for credible elections, electoral reforms, and the use of technology in Nigeria’s voting process.

He arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. He exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before being ushered into the chamber at about 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, a motion seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers, commending their presence before revealing that the nominee had passed multiple security clearances.

According to Akpabio, Amupitan had been vetted and cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, which confirmed that he had no criminal record.

The screening session, which began shortly after 12:55 p.m., centred on Amupitan’s plans to strengthen institutional independence, enhance transparency, and expand the deployment of technology in election management.

Following his confirmation, Amupitan will take charge of preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan earlier this week to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, with the nomination letter read by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.

A Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Amupitan previously served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos and is widely respected for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

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