The Senate is set to screen Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, for the role of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday.
The announcement, made by Senate Director of Information Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, follows President Bola Tinubu’s nomination letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging swift confirmation under Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Amupitan’s appointment, endorsed by the National Council of State, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long tenure.
Amid debates over INEC’s independence, the Presidency described Amupitan as an apolitical figure of integrity, while opposition parties called for a transparent screening process ahead of the 2027 elections. The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG), led by Chief Jacob Edi, condemned attempts to ethnicize Amupitan’s nomination, noting his Okun heritage from Kogi State as a historic first for a northern minority leading INEC.
Edi criticized divisive narratives questioning Tinubu’s choice, calling them detrimental to national unity. He highlighted the North’s diversity, rejecting claims of ethnic preference, and urged focus on competence and fairness. The NNMG praised Tinubu for inclusive appointments and called for an end to identity politics, emphasizing Amupitan’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
