The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation followed a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after Amupitan successfully went through screening and answered questions from lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja.

Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day, was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo and other dignitaries. He was ushered into the chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado.

Before the screening began, Akpabio disclosed that Amupitan had been cleared by the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, confirming he had no criminal record.

The Senate President also commended Amupitan’s academic and professional background, noting his extensive experience in constitutional and international law.

During the session, lawmakers focused their questions on the nominee’s plans for credible elections, institutional reforms at INEC, and strategies to expand technology use in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Following his confirmation, Professor Amupitan is expected to oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and begin groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as INEC Chairman.

His nomination letter from the President was read on the Senate floor by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.