The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a tense three-hour screening session on Thursday.
Amupitan, nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, faced a barrage of questions from lawmakers at the Hallowed Chamber before being unanimously approved by the Committee of the Whole.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the confirmation a true reflection of the Senate’s decision, saying there was no dissenting voice.
He urged the new INEC boss to “carry on his job where votes will count.”
While responding to inquiries, Amupitan clarified that he was never a Legal Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition proceedings at the Tribunal or the Supreme Court.
He noted that “the law reports of those copies for the cases are available for everyone to review if they were part of President Bola Tinubu’s legal team.”
The newly confirmed INEC Chairman pledged to deliver credible elections where “losers will congratulate winners,” stressing that such a culture is vital for Nigeria’s growth and democratic development.
He further promised to strengthen electoral logistics and ensure that “the commission uses clones to safeguard materials,” while committing to “aggressive voter education.”
Amupitan’s screening lasted three hours, beginning after he was ushered into the chamber at 12:50 p.m., following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) to suspend Order 12 and admit him. The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Before the questioning began, Akpabio informed senators that Amupitan had been thoroughly vetted and cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), which confirmed he has no criminal record.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking Amupitan’s screening and swift confirmation, citing Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The letter, read by Akpabio, stated:
“In accordance with the provisions of section 154 subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Attached is his curriculum vitae, while hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment of the nominee in its usual expeditious manner.
Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
The Senate, in line with the President’s request, approved Amupitan’s appointment without delay.
