President Tinubu Nominates Prof. Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman, Seeks Senate’s Swift Confirmation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially nominated Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The nomination was conveyed in a formal letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session, calling on the upper legislative chamber to screen and confirm the nominee without delay.

The president’s letter, which was addressed to the Senate, urged the lawmakers to give “expeditious consideration and approval” to the nomination in the national interest. Tinubu’s move follows the decision of the former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to step aside after years of steering the nation’s electoral body through several challenging election cycles.

The nomination of Professor Amupitan comes just days after his selection was endorsed by the National Council of State, which met last Thursday to deliberate on key national appointments. With his background as a legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Amupitan’s appointment has already attracted widespread attention within political and legal circles, as many anticipate a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral reforms.

Governor Peter Mbah Defects To APC, Cites Vision For Greater Development In Enugu State

Amupitan’s Nomination and Senate’s Next Steps

Senate President Akpabio, while reading the president’s letter, assured that the Senate would give the nomination prompt attention, in accordance with its constitutional responsibility of confirming executive appointments. He subsequently referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole, signaling that the screening exercise will be prioritized in the coming days.

According to reports, the upper chamber is expected to conduct a detailed evaluation of Amupitan’s qualifications, past achievements, and his vision for strengthening Nigeria’s electoral integrity. Lawmakers are also expected to question him on his strategies for tackling the recurring challenges of electoral violence, vote-buying, and voter apathy that have continued to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

If confirmed, Amupitan will succeed May Agbamuche-Mbu, who has been serving as the acting INEC Chair since Yakubu’s departure. Agbamuche-Mbu, who previously held the position of National Commissioner, took over leadership temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.

A Legal Luminary Steps into the Electoral Arena

Professor Joash Amupitan, a respected academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is widely known for his expertise in constitutional law and governance. Over the years, he has contributed immensely to legal scholarship and has been a vocal advocate for transparency and the rule of law in public administration.

His nomination, according to sources within the presidency, was influenced by his “proven integrity, intellectual capacity, and commitment to democratic values.” President Tinubu reportedly believes that Amupitan’s legal background will bring new vigor to the commission’s pursuit of credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections.

In his letter to the Senate, the president emphasized that Amupitan’s experience makes him “eminently qualified” to lead INEC at a time when Nigeria’s democracy faces growing demands for electoral accountability and innovation.

Observers note that Amupitan’s immediate task, if confirmed, will include strengthening the voter registration system, improving electoral logistics, and restoring public confidence in the electoral process. Many Nigerians still harbor doubts about the fairness of recent elections, and the incoming chairman will need to rebuild trust among citizens, political parties, and civil society organizations.

Tinubu Also Seeks Senate Nod for FCC Appointments

In a separate letter, President Tinubu also requested the Senate to confirm Mrs. Ayo Omidiran as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), along with 28 other nominees for appointment as Federal Commissioners.

The president noted that the nominations were part of his administration’s efforts to ensure equitable representation and inclusivity in federal appointments, in line with the constitutional mandate of the FCC. Among the nominees listed for confirmation is Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi from Kwara State, alongside representatives from other states of the federation.

Senate President Akpabio, in response, assured that the National Assembly would give fair and speedy consideration to all the nominations. He noted that the Senate remains committed to supporting the executive in its mission to strengthen governance institutions across the country. “The screening exercise will be handled diligently and in line with the Senate’s legislative duties,” Akpabio stated.

What Amupitan’s Appointment Means for Nigeria’s Democracy

Political analysts have described Amupitan’s nomination as a potential turning point for Nigeria’s electoral system. With public confidence in INEC fluctuating in recent years, his leadership could serve as a catalyst for long-awaited reforms. Experts believe that his legal background will help in tightening the commission’s regulatory framework, ensuring stricter enforcement of electoral laws, and improving dispute resolution mechanisms.

Moreover, the transition in INEC leadership comes at a crucial time—barely three years before the next general elections. As preparations for the 2027 polls gradually begin, stakeholders expect Amupitan to focus on digital innovation, result transparency, and capacity building among election officials.

Civil society groups have also expressed optimism that Amupitan’s appointment will strengthen collaboration between INEC and non-governmental organizations, particularly those engaged in election monitoring and voter education. However, they have called on the Senate to conduct a thorough and transparent screening to ensure that the nominee’s integrity remains uncompromised.

Meanwhile, supporters of former chairman Mahmood Yakubu have commended his contributions to Nigeria’s electoral evolution, citing his role in the introduction of technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Many believe that Amupitan’s challenge will be to consolidate on these gains and address operational lapses identified during the 2023 general elections.

As the nation awaits the Senate’s verdict, all eyes are now on Professor Joash Amupitan, whose confirmation could shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic process in the years ahead.