On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking him as the sixth person to hold this position since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.
The confirmation was unanimous, receiving praise from lawmakers, but it also sparked criticism from certain civil society groups, who expressed concerns regarding legislative independence and the integrity of the electoral commission under the new leadership.
During the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio conducted a voice vote, and with no objections, he announced Professor Amupitan’s confirmation. He takes over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose term ended earlier this month.
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In his remarks following the confirmation, Akpabio praised Amupitan’s qualifications, calling him “a fit and proper person” for the role.
“We reviewed your résumé. Both the DSS and Police have confirmed that you have no criminal history. You have no known health issues. You are exceptionally qualified,” he stated.
The Deputy Senate President also expressed confidence in Amupitan, while Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, referred to Amupitan’s academic and professional experience as “intimidating,” encouraging him to leverage his background for credible electoral processes.
“Having met the constitutional requirements, I urge you to explain how your academic and legal experience will positively impact election management in Nigeria,” Moro said.
Senator Simon Lalong, a former Governor of Plateau State, endorsed the nominee, citing their long-standing relationship from their time at the University of Jos.
However, the session experienced some tension when Akpabio attempted to limit the nominee’s responses regarding the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Lawmakers, including Senator Solomon Adeola, insisted that the nominee address all relevant questions before moving forward with the confirmation.
During his screening, Amupitan, a law professor, passionately committed to ensuring that no Nigerian voter is excluded, even suggesting the use of drones to facilitate voting in remote or unsafe areas.
“No voter will be disenfranchised. We will invest in logistics and technology. Where necessary, drones will be used to deliver materials to hard-to-reach locations. Every eligible Nigerian must have the opportunity to vote,” he declared.
He also highlighted his dedication to civic education, transparency, and accountability within the institution, promising a nationwide voter education initiative and the formation of an INEC Ethics and Compliance Committee to oversee internal conduct.
He stated, “When people understand the process, they are more likely to engage.”
