The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Tinubu had, in a formal letter addressed to the Senate, sought legislative confirmation for Amupitan’s appointment in line with constitutional provisions requiring Senate approval for key national appointments.
The letter was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also presented other communications from the President regarding pending nominations for confirmation.
Amupitan, a professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State, was nominated last Thursday to succeed Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman recently ended.
The nomination received unanimous endorsement from the Council of State, which includes former Presidents and Heads of State, senior government officials, and governors.
In his address to the Council, President Tinubu described Amupitan as an “apolitical, competent, and integrity-driven scholar”, adding that his nomination marked a historic first for Kogi State, as Amupitan becomes the first indigene of the state to be nominated for the top electoral post.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo also hailed the nominee as “a man of integrity and a disciplined academic,” expressing confidence that his leadership would strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Born 58 years ago, Professor Amupitan has built a distinguished academic and legal career spanning over three decades, with extensive experience in constitutional and electoral law.
His confirmation hearing is expected to test the Senate’s resolve to ensure transparent and merit-based appointments in one of the country’s most critical democratic institutions.
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