The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, the nominee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The screening began following a formal request from the President, which was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
President Tinubu’s nomination of Amupitan, a Professor of Law, is in line with constitutional requirements that stipulate Senate confirmation for appointments to the INEC Chairmanship.
Tinubu Requests Senate Confirmation for Joash Amupitan
In the letter addressed to the Senate, President Tinubu urged the legislative body to confirm the appointment of Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman, noting that the decision complies with the relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution governing electoral body appointments.
“The nomination is in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for such appointments,” Akpabio read from the President’s letter.
During the plenary, Akpabio also read additional communications from the Presidency regarding other federal appointments requiring Senate approval, marking a series of new leadership confirmations underway.
Who is Joash Amupitan?
Professor Joash Amupitan is a distinguished academic and legal expert known for his contributions to constitutional and electoral law. His nomination comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to push for credible electoral reforms and strengthen democratic institutions.
If confirmed, Amupitan would succeed Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman has concluded.
