Godsent Ogbebor – Abuja Correspondent
Senate to Screen Amupitan as INEC Chairman Today
The Senate will today screen Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a growing wave of public interest and calls for his speedy confirmation.
The announcement, made through a notice from the Office of the Secretary of Research and Information, confirmed that the screening will take place at the Senate chamber in Abuja. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of law, was nominated by the President and endorsed by the Council of State to succeed the outgoing electoral chief.
Support for his nomination has continued to mount from various quarters, with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and a coalition of Northern youth organisations urging the Senate to confirm him without delay. The groups described Amupitan as a man of impeccable integrity and broad legal expertise capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations (CNYO), Aliyu Mohammed commended President Tinubu and the National Council of State for endorsing Amupitan’s appointment. He said critics who questioned his eligibility based on his past work as counsel to several political parties were acting in bad faith.
“The Constitution does not disqualify anyone who has previously represented political clients from serving as INEC chairman,” Mohammed said. “Professor Amupitan’s experience across political and legal circles is an asset, not a disqualification. His record speaks of professionalism, not bias.”
He added that the coalition’s position was rooted in the belief that Amupitan would uphold fairness and accountability in the discharge of his duties.
Similarly, the student body, NANS, described the nomination as timely and necessary for restoring public confidence in the electoral process. The group appealed to the Senate to expedite the confirmation process in the interest of national stability and electoral transparency.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged Amupitan to see his possible confirmation as a call to service and a chance to uphold the trust of Nigerians. Obi, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said leadership at any level must be guided by conscience and responsibility.
He advised the nominee to focus on integrity and legacy rather than political pressure. “None of us will be in our positions forever,” Obi said. “The right thing is always the best thing. He should work for the people and protect his name, because history will remember him either for honour or for failure.”
Obi also reacted to the recent defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the move was a personal political decision and should not be seen as a regional strategy by the ruling party to dominate the South East.
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Senate to Screen Professor Amupitan for INEC Chairman Role
Amupitan, who is known for his strong academic background and contributions to legal reforms, has earned respect within Nigeria’s legal community for his consistent advocacy for transparent governance and adherence to the rule of law.
His nomination comes at a critical time when public expectations of the electoral commission remain high, following debates over past elections and the call for improved credibility in future polls. Many observers believe that his leadership could define the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Meanwhile, INEC has clarified its recent decision to invite Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, to a meeting with political party leaders. Acting INEC Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the commission acted in compliance with a valid court order recognising Abure as the lawful national chairman of the party.
She made the clarification during the commission’s regular quarterly meeting with media executives in Abuja, noting that INEC remains bound by law to respect judicial directives.
“As a law-abiding institution, we have always obeyed court orders,” Agbamuche-Mbu said. “If the faction led by Lamidi Apapa presents a contrary judgment, we will also comply. Our duty is to follow the law, not sentiments.”
She reiterated the commission’s readiness to collaborate with media organisations, civil society groups, and political parties to ensure credible elections, particularly ahead of the Anambra governorship poll.
Amupitan’s screening today is expected to draw close attention from both lawmakers and the public, as Nigerians await the Senate’s verdict on a nominee seen by many as a potential reformer of the nation’s electoral system.