By Deborah Nnamdi
The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening and confirmation of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, where he exchanged pleasantries with senators before entering the chamber. He was accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado. The motion to suspend Order 12 of the Senate Standing Rules to allow his entry was moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Welcoming the nominee, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Amupitan’s family and well-wishers for their presence and informed lawmakers that the nominee had been cleared by all relevant security agencies. According to Akpabio, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force all confirmed that Amupitan had no criminal records.
The screening exercise formally began around 12:55 p.m., following Akpabio’s opening remarks outlining the procedures for assessing the nominee’s qualifications and vision for the electoral body.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who recently resigned as INEC Chairman. The President’s letter of nomination was read by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.
Amupitan, a respected scholar and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is known for his expertise in constitutional and international law. His nomination has sparked mixed reactions among civil society groups and political stakeholders, with some calling for reforms to enhance INEC’s independence and transparency.
During the screening, lawmakers are expected to question Amupitan on his plans for credible elections, institutional reforms within INEC, and the use of technology in electoral processes.
If confirmed, Prof. Amupitan will lead the commission in organizing upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
