From David Onuoja Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has written to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan, as the substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The request was contained in a letter during Today’s plenary and read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In the request letter, it said that, the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan, is in line and in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to appoint the INEC Chairman subject to Senate confirmation.
Though, there are other correspondences from the President on appointment, seeking approval, was also read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio.
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According to the letter, “The request is hereby referred to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative consideration,” Akpabio announced.
Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), a distinguished legal scholar and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, is expected to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who resigned recently.
Tinubu’s decision to appoint a new electoral umpire comes amid renewed public debate over electoral reforms and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
If confirmed, Amupitan will oversee the implementation of key electoral reforms and efforts to rebuild public trust in INEC following widespread dissatisfaction with recent polls.
Late last week, the National Council of State had unanimously endorsed Amupitan’s nomination.
