Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation Of Amupitan As INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has written to the National Assembly, requesting the Senate’s confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was read during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja. Tinubu’s request, made in line with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), seeks to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this month after nearly a decade in charge of the electoral body.

Akpabio told lawmakers that the request had been referred to the Committee of the Whole for legislative consideration, alongside other presidential communications requiring Senate approval.

Council Of State Endorses Appointment

Last Thursday, the President presented Amupitan’s name to the Council of State as his preferred candidate to lead the electoral commission, following weeks of consultations with political stakeholders and security chiefs.

The council, comprising former Presidents, Vice Presidents, serving governors, and top judicial officers — reportedly gave unanimous approval to the nomination after a brief deliberation on the need for a credible, nonpartisan figure to oversee the next electoral cycle.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu said the nomination of Amupitan, a professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), reflects his administration’s commitment to electoral transparency and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Professor Amupitan is a man of integrity, competence, and academic distinction. His record in legal scholarship and public service embodies the values of fairness and impartiality required for this sensitive national role,” the statement quoted the President as saying.

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, whose state the nominee hails from, described Amupitan as “a quiet but courageous academic” with a reputation for independence and ethical judgment.

Profile Of The Nominee

Born 58 years ago in Kogi State, Amupitan holds degrees in law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Jos. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 and later obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, specializing in Human Rights and Governance.

Over the last three decades, he has lectured at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He has published extensively on constitutional law, governance reform, and access to justice and has been a consultant to several government agencies and international development organizations.

Within academic and policy circles, Amupitan is regarded as a leading advocate of electoral justice and reform. His 2019 paper on “Electoral Accountability and Institutional Independence in Nigeria” is frequently cited in political and legal debates.

Reactions Trail Nomination

Following the Senate’s receipt of the President’s letter, civil society organizations (CSOs) and political commentators have called for a transparent and merit-driven screening process.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in a statement released on Tuesday, urged Professor Amupitan to prioritize the prosecution of electoral offenders if confirmed, saying “Nigeria’s democracy depends on accountability for electoral crimes.”

Similarly, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) advised the Senate to ensure that the confirmation process is not reduced to “a mere political ritual,” but rather a robust interrogation of the nominee’s independence, track record, and vision for reforming the electoral system.

ADC Gives Benefit of Doubt to Amupitan’s INEC Chairmanship

Some lawmakers from opposition parties also echoed public concerns about the independence of INEC under a new administration, stressing that the nominee must demonstrate both competence and nonpartisanship.

INEC’s Next Phase

If confirmed, Amupitan will oversee preparations for the 2027 general elections, review the conduct of the 2023 polls, and implement electoral reforms recommended by local and international observers.

Analysts say his appointment comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s democracy, as INEC faces growing demands to improve voter confidence, adopt technology-driven transparency measures, and curb the rising cost of elections.

Amupitan is expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters later this week for screening.