President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted the name of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to the Senate for confirmation as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The formal request was read on the Senate floor by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The nomination is in line with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to appoint the INEC Chair, subject to Senate approval.

Presidency Moves to Fill INEC Leadership Vacuum

The nomination follows the conclusion of tenure by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who led the electoral body from 2015 to 2025.

The move marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral commission ahead of upcoming off-cycle and general elections.

Professor Amupitan’s nomination had earlier received the backing of the National Council of State, which reportedly approved his selection unanimously during a recent session.

Who is Prof. Joash Amupitan?

Professor Amupitan is a senior legal scholar and practitioner, currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos.

Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan brings over three decades of experience in legal academia and public law.

He earned the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and is widely recognized for his work in corporate law, privatization policy, and public sector governance.

He has authored several academic texts and served in various leadership capacities within Nigeria’s higher education system.

Senate to Begin Screening Process

Following the announcement, the Senate referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for legislative consideration and screening.

No date has yet been fixed for the screening, but sources suggest that the process could begin in the coming days.

Senate insiders say the nomination is expected to receive considerable attention, given the strategic importance of INEC in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

Mixed Reactions Trail Nomination

Civil society organizations and political stakeholders have begun reacting to the development. A coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of the Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) described the choice as “credible and well-timed,” urging the Senate to conduct a thorough but speedy confirmation process.

Similarly, the North Central APC Forum commended the President for selecting a nominee from the region, noting that Amupitan’s legal acumen and academic background make him well-suited for the role.

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Meanwhile, some observers have called for vigilance to ensure that the next INEC leadership remains impartial and committed to electoral transparency.

What Lies Ahead

If confirmed, Professor Amupitan will assume office at a crucial time, with key state elections approaching and preparations already underway for the 2027 general elections.

His performance will likely shape public confidence in the commission’s independence and competence in managing electoral processes.

The Senate’s next steps will determine how quickly the leadership transition at INEC is finalized.