The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His confirmation followed a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after Amupitan appeared before the lawmakers for screening and answered questions on his vision for electoral reforms.
Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, exchanged pleasantries with senators before the session. He was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other 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, after the Senate temporarily suspended Order 12 to admit him and his entourage.
Senate President Akpabio, who welcomed Amupitan and his family members, disclosed that the nominee had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force, which confirmed he had no criminal record.
During the screening, senators questioned Amupitan on his plans to ensure credible elections, reform internal operations within INEC, and enhance the use of technology in the nation’s electoral process.
With his confirmation, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law from the University of Jos will now lead INEC in preparing for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.