Senate Confirms Prof. Amupitan as INEC Boss, Tasks Him on Electoral Credibility
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following an exhaustive screening session that lasted for nearly two hours during Thursday’s plenary in Abuja.
The confirmation came after a robust debate in the Red Chamber, during which Senators from different political divides grilled the nominee on his vision, integrity, and preparedness to oversee credible elections in the country.
Amupitan, a seasoned legal scholar and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, pledged to strengthen the nation’s electoral system through transparency, technology-driven operations, and institutional reforms.
He assured the lawmakers that under his leadership, INEC would operate independently and impartially, focusing on rebuilding public confidence in the commission.
“Our democracy thrives on trust. My commitment is to ensure that every Nigerian vote counts and that INEC becomes a symbol of national credibility,” he said.
Several Senators commended Amupitan’s academic and professional credentials, describing him as a man of integrity with the capacity to reposition the commission.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, expressed confidence that Amupitan’s appointment would usher in reforms capable of enhancing Nigeria’s democratic process.
Professor Amupitan succeeds the immediate past INEC Chairman and is expected to resume office immediately to begin preparations ahead of upcoming off-cycle and general elections.
