A tense moment erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, October 16, during the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), when Senate President Godswill Akpabio clashed with Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West).
The disagreement started when Dickson cited Ghana’s last presidential election, noting that “nobody contested the results of the last presidential election conducted in Ghana,” to highlight the importance of credible elections.
Akpabio responded by pointing to Nigeria’s 2015 general election, stating, “former President Goodluck Jonathan also did not contest the outcome of the election conducted by INEC in 2015,” and argued that Nigeria’s electoral system has seen significant improvements over time.
Senator Abdul Ningi joined Dickson in reminding the Senate President that the 2015 elections were held under a PDP-led government, implying a different political context.
READ ALSO: Senate Confirms Amupitan As New INEC Chairman
Visibly frustrated, Akpabio retorted, “no sane human being wants to go to the PDP today because the party has been torn into shreds,” adding that joining the party amounted to “an invitation to endless litigation.”
He emphasised that he did not want to give the incoming INEC Chairman any false impression about the party.
The chamber erupted into murmurs and laughter when Akpabio concluded with a sharp jab at Dickson, asking sarcastically, “Who’s going to sign your form?” The remark drew a mix of amusement and tension among senators.
Despite the brief clash, Amupitan’s screening proceeded, shining a spotlight on ongoing debates around electoral integrity, party politics, and democratic governance in Nigeria.
The incident reflects the high-stakes environment surrounding electoral reforms and the confirmation of key officials ahead of the 2027 general elections.