Senate confirms Amupitan as INEC chairman after thorough screening

After a marathon three-hour screening session marked by intense questioning and scrutiny, the Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation came on Thursday during a session of the Committee of the Whole, where senators subjected the senior advocate and law professor to what one insider described as “every question under the sun.” The grilling touched on everything from electoral integrity to institutional independence.

Despite the pressure, Amupitan, described as both “erudite” and “deeply academic,” reportedly handled the interrogation with calm precision, answering every query thrown his way.

Following the exhaustive questioning, the Senate reverted to plenary. There, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote on the confirmation and the response was swift and decisive.

“He has been approved without a single dissenting voice,” Akpabio announced. “Go and do your job where votes will count.”

The lack of opposition in the chamber raises questions about backroom consensus or quiet political alignment especially considering the high-stakes nature of the role. As Amupitan steps into one of Nigeria’s most powerful and scrutinized positions, all eyes will be watching to see whether his promises during screening translate into reforms at the ballot box.