Nigeria's Senate Finally Confirms Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a voice vote by lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary session.

Amupitan’s confirmation came after a screening exercise during which he answered questions from senators about his vision for credible elections, electoral reforms, and the use of technology in Nigeria’s voting process.Nigerian fashion brands

He arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier in the day, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. He exchanged pleasantries with lawmakers before being ushered into the chamber at about 12:50 p.m. by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, a motion seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family, and well-wishers, commending their presence before revealing that the nominee had passed multiple security clearances.

According to Akpabio, Amupitan had been vetted and cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, which confirmed that he had no criminal record.