The Senate has commenced the screening and confirmation process for Prof. Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier on Thursday, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and several dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., he was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and seated ahead of the proceedings.
To admit him into the chamber, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved that Order 12 be suspended to allow “strangers” into the hallowed chamber — a motion seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers, commending them for their presence and assuring a fair, transparent screening process.
Before the commencement of the question-and-answer session, Akpabio informed lawmakers that the nominee had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) following a thorough vetting process. He also confirmed that both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force had verified Amupitan’s records and found no criminal history.
The screening officially began at 12:55 p.m., with Akpabio outlining the procedures for assessing Amupitan’s qualifications and vision for the Commission.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated Amupitan earlier this week to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who resigned as INEC chairman. The President’s nomination letter was read on the Senate floor by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan is widely respected for his expertise in constitutional and international law.
His nomination has, however, drawn mixed reactions from civil society groups and political observers, some of whom have urged the Senate to ensure reforms that strengthen INEC’s independence and transparency.
During the screening, senators are expected to question Amupitan on his plans for credible elections, institutional reforms, and use of technology in the electoral process.
If confirmed, Prof. Amupitan will lead INEC in overseeing upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and laying the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
