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The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio conducted a voice vote to approve his appointment after Amupitan’s screening and responses to lawmakers’ questions.
Earlier in the day, Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly complex, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries, exchanging greetings with senators before proceedings began.
At around 12:50 p.m., Senator Abubakar Lado, the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), ushered the nominee into the chamber.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved a motion to suspend Order 12 to admit visitors, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, noting that he had been cleared by the National Security Adviser’s office, the Department of State Services, and the Inspector-General of Police, with no criminal record found.
The screening began at 12:55 p.m., during which Akpabio outlined the procedures for assessing Amupitan’s qualifications.
Lawmakers questioned him about his plans to ensure credible elections, strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity, and expand the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
With his confirmation now complete, Professor Amupitan is set to lead INEC in preparing for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and in laying the foundation for the 2027 general elections.
