By Rejoice Peterside, Abuja
The Senate on Thursday screened and confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during plenary in Abuja.
The confirmation followed an open screening session conducted by the Committee of the Whole Senate after the upper chamber suspended its Rule 14 to allow “strangers” in this case, the nominee into the chamber for direct questioning, in line with the Senate Standing Orders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, sought the Senate’s approval for Amupitan’s appointment pursuant to Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Paragraph 14 of Part I of the Third Schedule, which vests the power of appointment and confirmation of the INEC Chairman in the President and the Senate respectively.
During the session, Senator Solomon Lalong raised concerns over the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which he said was expected to be a game changer in the 2023 general elections but ended up becoming one of the major sources of controversy.
“BVAS was supposed to be the game changer but became a problem. How do you intend to make it work optimally so Nigerians can trust the process again?” Lalong asked.
In his response, Amupitan acknowledged that BVAS had faced both technological and operational challenges and promised to undertake a comprehensive audit of the system to identify and correct the faults, he said INEC under his leadership would work closely with relevant agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other network and service providers to ensure seamless connectivity and reliable data synchronization during elections.
He also emphasized the need for synergy between INEC’s ICT department and external partners to strengthen the country’s electoral technology infrastructure. He noted that logistics and funding constraints had also undermined elections in the past, stressing that under his tenure, INEC would reform its logistics operations to ensure election materials reach all polling units as scheduled.
“We will reform logistics operations to ensure materials reach every polling unit as scheduled. Elections must not be hindered by avoidable distribution lapses,” he said.
Senator Danjuma Goje asked the nominee to address concerns of alleged interference by security agencies in some election processes. Amupitan pledged to create a joint coordination framework with the security agencies, assuring that neutrality and professionalism would guide their collaboration.
Senator Abdul’aziz Yari stressed the need to rebuild public trust in INEC’s financial management and ensure transparent use of election funds. On his part, Senator Abdul Ningi commended Amupitan’s credentials but noted that the INEC Chairmanship requires not only intellectual capacity but also moral integrity. He raised questions about the real-time electronic transmission of results and voter education.
Responding, Amupitan said the commission would strengthen voter education programmes and work with the National Assembly on necessary amendments to the Electoral Act to enhance transparency and inclusion. “Proper education of voters is crucial to participation. An informed electorate is the foundation of credible elections,” he said.
Senator Osita Izunaso inquired about disciplinary measures for INEC officials who compromise election results. The nominee said he would establish a Standing Ethics and Disciplinary Committee within the commission to handle internal misconduct and recommend appropriate sanctions.
“When elections are credible, the loser will have no difficulty congratulating the winner. My goal is to make that the norm in Nigeria’s democracy,” Amupitan said.
Senator Seriake Dickson questioned Amupitan on alleged links to President Tinubu’s 2023 election litigation team. The nominee denied the claim, saying, “I have never represented President Tinubu in any legal capacity nor been part of any litigation team. Mentorship does not mean compromise. My professional discipline and ethical standards remain intact, and I will not betray the confidence of Nigerians.”
At the end of the screening, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Amupitan’s composure, intellect, and understanding of Nigeria’s electoral challenges. He congratulated President Bola Tinubu for presenting what he described as a “credible and competent nominee” capable of restoring confidence in the electoral system.
“Professor Amupitan has demonstrated the integrity, courage, and competence required for this vital national assignment,” Akpabio said, adding that the President deserves commendation for nominating a worthy candidate for such a sensitive position.
He also congratulated the management and staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying they now have a credible leader who understands both the legal and operational dimensions of electoral management.
Akpabio, however, raised concern over the conduct of local government elections across states, lamenting that many governors often manipulate the process, ensuring their political party wins all available seats.
He urged the new INEC leadership and the National Assembly to look into ways of strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level. “The situation where governors allocate all local government seats to their party members must stop. The winner takes it all syndrome is against the spirit of democracy,” Akpabio warned.
The Senate thereafter unanimously confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through a voice vote.
Akpabio said the confirmation would strengthen public confidence in INEC and enhance electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. “His confirmation is a call to service a call to ensure that every vote counts,” he added.
The confirmation marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral process, with expectations high that Amupitan’s tenure will restore faith in the electoral system and strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.
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