The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking a crucial step in the transition of leadership at the nation’s electoral body.
Amupitan, a renowned professor of law and current Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, arrived at the Senate chamber around 12:50 p.m. on Thursday.
He was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, some family members, and Abubakar Lado, the Presidential Aide on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who led the delegation into the chamber.
The nominee began his appearance by presenting a detailed account of his academic and professional background, portions of which had earlier been circulated among lawmakers.
He highlighted his long-standing experience in academia, having served for six years as Dean of the Faculty of Law before assuming his current role as Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Amupitan further informed the Senate that he holds the distinction of being the first professor of law from Kogi State and had previously served as Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
Senators took turns questioning him on his vision for electoral reform, institutional independence, and strategies for enhancing transparency within Nigeria’s electoral process.
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His nomination follows the unanimous approval of the Council of State on October 9, endorsing him to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman recently came to an end.
Subsequently, on October 14, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally forwarded Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
The screening exercise is expected to continue with lawmakers assessing Amupitan’s readiness to lead the commission ahead of future elections.
If confirmed, Professor Amupitan will take the helm of INEC at a time when public trust, electoral credibility, and technological reform remain central to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.