ABUJA, Nigeria — October 16, 2025 — The Nigerian Senate will today, Thursday, commence the screening of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, for confirmation as the substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This development follows a formal request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who on Tuesday, October 15, transmitted a letter to the Senate seeking the expeditious confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment to head the nation’s electoral body. The letter was read during plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The announcement of the screening was officially communicated through a circular released on Wednesday by the Director of Information for the Senate, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah. The circular confirmed that the screening will hold at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
“The Office of the Secretary, Research and Information wishes to notify members of the press and the general public that the Senate will on Thursday, 16th October, 2025, conduct the screening of the nominee of President Bola Tinubu, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, as INEC Chairman,” the circular read in part.
Background to the Nomination
President Tinubu’s decision to nominate Prof. Amupitan follows the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose second term officially ended earlier this month. The nomination marks a significant step in the administration’s plan to strengthen electoral integrity and ensure the smooth conduct of future elections, including the 2027 general polls.
According to reliable sources within the Presidency, the choice of Prof. Amupitan was influenced by his reputation as a seasoned academic and legal scholar with extensive experience in constitutional and electoral law. His nomination has, however, generated keen interest among political observers, given the strategic importance of the INEC chairmanship in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Who Is Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan?
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and renowned legal academic, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree and a Master’s in Law (LL.M), both obtained from Nigerian universities, before proceeding to complete his Doctorate in Law (Ph.D).
Amupitan has spent decades teaching and researching in key areas such as constitutional law, human rights, and democratic governance. He is a Fellow of several legal institutes and has contributed extensively to legal scholarship and public discourse on Nigeria’s electoral system.
In addition to his academic background, Amupitan has served as a consultant to several government agencies and international organizations on governance and rule of law reforms. His appointment, if confirmed, is expected to bring a blend of academic rigor and institutional experience to the nation’s electoral management body.
Senate’s Screening Agenda
The Senate’s screening session is expected to be rigorous, with lawmakers set to question the nominee on his vision for INEC, plans for electoral transparency, and strategies for tackling challenges such as voter apathy, election logistics, and technology deployment in future polls.
According to insiders, members of the Senate Committee on INEC and the Committee of the Whole will jointly conduct the screening. They are also expected to review the nominee’s credentials, academic qualifications, and past professional engagements.
Some lawmakers have already expressed optimism about the nominee’s capacity to lead INEC effectively, citing his record of academic excellence and integrity. Others, however, have called for a thorough and non-partisan screening process to ensure the credibility of the appointment.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
The announcement of Amupitan’s nomination has drawn mixed reactions from political parties, civil society groups, and electoral reform advocates.
While some have welcomed the development as a positive step toward reforming Nigeria’s electoral process, others have urged the Senate to conduct a transparent and merit-based screening to avoid perceptions of partisanship.
The Centre for Democratic Accountability (CDA), in a statement on Wednesday, commended President Tinubu for nominating “a competent and academically grounded individual” but cautioned that “the process must be open, transparent, and in line with the spirit of the Electoral Act.”
Similarly, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) noted that the next INEC Chair must prioritize public trust and institutional independence. “The credibility of the 2027 elections will depend significantly on who occupies the office and how they manage the Commission,” the group said.
Expectations Ahead of the Screening
With Nigeria’s next general elections less than two years away, today’s Senate screening is being closely watched by stakeholders across the country. Many believe that the appointment of a credible and independent INEC Chairman is critical to consolidating democracy and restoring public confidence in the electoral system.
Analysts also expect lawmakers to grill Amupitan on issues such as:
- Election technology: His views on the role of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result transmission.
- Voter education: Plans to enhance voter awareness and participation, particularly among youth and women.
- Election funding: Strategies to ensure financial transparency and operational efficiency within INEC.
- Security: Measures to address violence and intimidation during elections.
Tinubu’s Call for Speedy Confirmation
President Tinubu’s letter to the Senate emphasized the need for a swift confirmation process, citing the importance of filling the leadership vacuum at INEC to enable the Commission to begin early preparations for the next electoral cycle.
“The timely confirmation of this nominee will ensure continuity in the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission, especially as we approach another round of off-cycle and general elections,” the President reportedly wrote.
Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly stressed its commitment to electoral reforms and credible polls. The nomination of a respected legal scholar like Amupitan is seen as an extension of that commitment.
Next Steps
Once screened, the Senate is expected to deliberate and vote on Amupitan’s confirmation either later today or in the coming days. If confirmed, he will officially assume office as Nigeria’s 6th substantive INEC Chairman since the return to democracy in 1999.
The new INEC boss will face immediate challenges, including the conduct of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo, Edo, and Kogi States, as well as overseeing nationwide voter registration and electoral reforms ahead of 2027.
As Nigerians await the outcome of today’s proceedings, all eyes remain on the Senate Chamber, where the tone of the next electoral cycle may well be set by the outcome of a single confirmation vote.
