The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Amupitan, a renowned Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), hails from Kogi State and brings over three decades of experience in legal education, public law, and governance. Before his appointment, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law and later Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
During his screening at the Senate on Wednesday, lawmakers commended his distinguished academic record and legal background. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced his confirmation after a unanimous vote.
President Tinubu had earlier described Amupitan as “a scholar of integrity with a proven record of fairness,” expressing confidence that he would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
Civil society groups and political leaders have also welcomed the appointment, urging the new INEC boss to uphold transparency, restore public trust, and deliver credible elections.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this month. He is expected to begin immediate consultations ahead of upcoming elections in several states.
