President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking a major step toward filling the leadership gap at the country’s electoral body.
The President’s letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. The letter stated that the nomination was made in line with constitutional requirements, which give the Senate the power to confirm such appointments.
The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee of the Whole for further deliberation.
Professor Amupitan’s nomination follows the exit of former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended recently after overseeing two general elections, including the 2023 polls.
President Tinubu had earlier presented Amupitan’s name to the National Council of State last Thursday. The Council, which includes former presidents, governors, and other top government officials, unanimously endorsed the nomination. According to Tinubu, Amupitan is an “apolitical” candidate and well-qualified for the job.
Amupitan hails from Kogi State in Nigeria’s north-central region and, if confirmed, will be the first person from the state to hold the position of INEC Chairman.
A statement from the presidency described Amupitan as a respected academic and a man of integrity. Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, also praised the nominee, calling him a trustworthy individual who would bring credibility to the electoral commission.
Born 58 years ago, Joash Amupitan is currently a Professor of Law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State. He also serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the institution. He is well known in academic and legal circles for his work on constitutional and electoral law.
If confirmed by the Senate, Amupitan will take charge of INEC at a critical time, as Nigeria continues to face calls for electoral reforms and improved transparency in elections. His leadership will be closely watched ahead of several off-cycle governorship elections and future national polls.
The Senate is expected to begin screening him in the coming days.
