President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the senate to confirm Joash Amupitan, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The request was conveyed in a letter read by Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, during plenary on Tuesday.
“In accordance with the provisions of section 154 subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the letter reads.
“Attached is his curriculum vitae, while hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment of the nominee in its usual expeditious manner. Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Akpabio, after reading the letter, referred the request to the committee of the whole for constitutional consideration, noting that deliberations would begin “as soon as practicable”.
The referral sets the process in motion for Amupitan’s screening and possible confirmation in the coming days.
Amupitan’s nomination follows last Thursday’s unanimous endorsement by the council of state, which gave its approval for his appointment as head of the electoral umpire.
At 58, Amupitan is a professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau state, where he currently serves as the deputy vice-chancellor (administration).
He is widely respected in academic and legal circles for his depth of scholarship in constitutional law, governance, and judicial reforms.
A native of Kogi state, Amupitan obtained his law degree from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his training at the Nigerian Law School.
If confirmed, Amupitan will succeed Mahmood Yakubu, who bowed out as INEC chairman on October 7, 2025.
Amupitan’s appointment comes at a time when the commission faces growing demands for electoral transparency, improved logistics, and stronger public confidence following the 2023 general election.
The senate is expected to conduct a screening session where the nominee will outline his vision for the commission, especially as it prepares for upcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 polls.
