The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Joash Amupitan, a senior advocate, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Newsonspot reports that his confirmation took place on Thursday after a thorough screening session at the National Assembly in Abuja.
During his appearance before lawmakers, Amupitan promised to uphold the independence and integrity of INEC, assuring Nigerians of his commitment to restoring public confidence in the nation’s electoral system. He emphasized transparency, technological innovation, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
“I am determined to ensure that INEC remains truly independent and impartial,” Amupitan stated during his screening. “Our elections must be credible, transparent, and free from undue influence. Nigerians deserve an electoral system they can trust.”
Amupitan was reported to have arrived the Red Chambers alongside Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters; Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos; Mrs. Amupitan, the nominee’s wife; and their three children, Barrister Favour, Marvelous, and Beloved Amupitan.
His confirmation comes after weeks of public scrutiny and debate surrounding his nomination, with stakeholders and civil society groups urging the Senate to ensure a competent and non-partisan individual leads the commission, especially as future elections approach.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated Amupitan and encouraged him to discharge his duties with integrity and fairness, noting that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy rests heavily on INEC’s performance.
Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who had served as INEC Chairman since 2015.
