Amupitan enters as INEC chairman after senate confirmation

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. 

The Red Chamber validated Amupitan’s appointment following a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after he had undergone screening and responded to inquiries from the lawmakers. 

Amupitan had previously arrived at the National Assembly complex, where he exchanged pleasantries with Senators. 

He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, along with other dignitaries. 

At approximately 12:50 p.m., the nominee was escorted into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated prior to the commencement of the proceedings. 

Amupitan was permitted entry into the esteemed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), proposed that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, a motion that was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio extended a warm welcome to Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers in the Red Chamber, expressing appreciation for their presence. 

Before he introduced himself to the Senators for the question and answer session, Akpabio informed his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser following a vetting process. 

According to Akpabio, the Department of State Services had also given him a clearance. 

Furthermore, the Senate President stated that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police had conducted a fingerprint search on him, which confirmed that he had no criminal records with the police. 

The screening exercise began at approximately 12:55 p.m. after Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures that the lawmakers would follow in evaluating the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session concentrated on Amupitan’s perspective regarding trustworthy elections, his strategies for institutional reforms within INEC, and initiatives to enhance the application of technology in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Upon his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will manage the preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and establish the foundation for the 2027 general elections.