Senate Screens New INEC Chair Amupitan Today

The Senate will screen Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, tomorrow, Thursday.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued on Wednesday by the Senate’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Less than 24 hours after Tinubu’s letter seeking Amupitan’s confirmation was read on the Senate floor by the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio.

According to the circular, the screening will occur in the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly Complex.

The statement read, “The Office of the Secretary, Research and Information wishes to notify members of the Press and the general public that the Senate will on Thursday, 16th October 2025, conduct the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, as INEC Chairman.

“The exercise is scheduled at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex. Members of the Senate Press Corps are kindly requested to provide their usual media coverage and support to ensure adequate dissemination of information to the public.

“Television stations are expected to extend the usual courtesy of providing live event coverage.”

Amupitan’s nomination, endorsed last week by the National Council of State, marks a significant transition for the electoral body following Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s departure after a decade as INEC chairman.

In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu said the appointment was made in line with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged lawmakers to grant it their “usual expeditious consideration.”

“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the President said.

Amupitan’s nomination comes amid renewed debate over INEC’s independence and credibility following the 2023 general elections.

While the presidency described him as “an apolitical figure of impeccable integrity,” opposition parties and civil society groups have urged the Senate to ensure a transparent and rigorous confirmation process.

Thursday’s screening is expected to draw nationwide attention. It could shape the tone of future electoral reforms and test the administration’s commitment to credible polls ahead of 2027.