The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The confirmation followed a voice vote during plenary on Wednesday after a thorough screening session, where Amupitan responded to questions on election reforms and transparency.

Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and several dignitaries. The screening exercise, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commenced around 12:55 p.m. after necessary procedural motions were moved by Senate leaders.

Before the screening began, Akpabio disclosed that Amupitan had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, confirming that he had no criminal record. The Senate President commended his credentials and welcomed his family and supporters present at the chamber.

During the session, Professor Amupitan outlined his plans for credible elections, including improving technology integration, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing public trust in the electoral process. He emphasized the need to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following the Senate’s approval, Amupitan officially succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman. His appointment, made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral management. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Dean of Law at the University of Jos, is known for his strong background in constitutional and international law.