In a decisive session held on Thursday, the Nigerian Senate officially confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The confirmation came after a comprehensive screening exercise conducted by lawmakers during a Committee of the Whole in the Senate Chamber.
During the session, senators engaged Amupitan with several probing questions about his vision, integrity, and plans for strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process. The nominee responded thoughtfully, addressing key issues surrounding electoral transparency and voter confidence.
Following the interaction, Professor Amupitan was asked to take a bow and leave the chamber a customary gesture after such screenings.
Shortly after his exit, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to reinstate all floor privileges previously suspended for the exercise. The motion, seconded by the Minority Leader, received unanimous approval through a voice vote.
When the nomination was finally put to vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the appointment confirmed, stating:
“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed.”
With this confirmation, Professor Amupitan now steps into one of the nation’s most critical leadership roles, tasked with steering the INEC towards credibility, transparency, and the advancement of Nigeria’s democratic process.