“Drones, Logistics, And Education” — Senate Confirms Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN As INEC Chairman

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Amupitan, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu, appeared before the Senate for a three-hour screening session in the hallowed chamber. Senators grilled him on various aspects of electoral management, to which he responded comprehensively. Following the Committee of the Whole, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the confirmation to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved.

Addressing the Senate, Akpabio urged Amupitan to ensure that elections in Nigeria are conducted fairly, where winners are celebrated and losers graciously accept outcomes, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in the electoral system.

During the screening, Amupitan clarified that he did not serve as legal counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 Presidential Electoral Petition at both the tribunal and the Supreme Court. He assured senators that law reports of the cases are publicly available for verification.

The nominee highlighted plans to strengthen election logistics, including using drones to monitor the transportation of sensitive election materials to polling units. He also pledged to introduce aggressive voter education, including programs targeting primary school children, to instill civic responsibility from a young age.

Amupitan was allowed into the chamber after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved, and Minority Leader Abba Moro seconded, a motion to set aside Order 12 to permit strangers’ entry. Prior to the screening, the nominee had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police, confirming his suitability for public office.

President Tinubu had formally written to the Senate on Tuesday, requesting the confirmation of Amupitan as INEC Chairman in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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