The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), the nominee of President Bola Tinubu, for the position of chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Professor Amupitan, a professor of law, was confirmed by the upper chamber after his screening exercise on Thursday at the Plenary.
The screening commenced around 12:50 pm after the Senate had suspended its rule to admit strangers into the hallowed chamber.
The National Assembly had, on Wednesday, through a statement by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information at the National Assembly, on behalf of the Office of the Secretary, Research and Information, said the screening exercise will take place at the Senate Chamber, with full media coverage expected.
Fifty-eight-year-old Professor Amupitan is a professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau state, where he also serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (administration).
President Bola Tinubu, earlier last week, formally wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Professor Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Electoral Commission following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Professor Amupitan, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries, first presented his credentials before responding to questions from lawmakers.
This was part of the confirmation process for his appointment as the next INEC Chairman.
Professor Amupitan was ushered in by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Professor Amupitan, his family members, and other guests present before outlining the procedure for the screening.
On October 9, the Council of State unanimously approved his nomination as the next chairman of INEC following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
On October 14, President Bola Tinubu formally wrote to the Senate to screen and confirm him
