JUST IN: Senate Screens Amupitan for INEC Chair

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, exchanged pleasantries with senators before entering the chamber. He was accompanied by Kogi State Governor 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, and was seated ahead of the start of the exercise.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence. 

The screening commenced around 12:55 p.m. after Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedure for the session.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who recently resigned from the position. 

The President’s letter conveying the nomination was read on the Senate floor on Tuesday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan is reputed for his expertise in constitutional and international law. 

His nomination has, however, generated mixed reactions among civil society groups and political observers, some of whom have renewed calls for reforms to strengthen INEC’s independence.

If confirmed, Amupitan will steer preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and set the stage for the 2027 general elections, with lawmakers expected to question him on his reform agenda and plans to deepen the use of technology in the nation’s electoral process.