SCREENING OF THE CHAIRMAN NOMINEE OF INEC BY THE SENATE

Report on the Screening of the Chairman Nominee of INEC by the Nigerian Senate

On October 16, 2025, the Nigerian Senate conducted a formal screening of Joash Amupitan SAN, the nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The event, which was broadcast live on national television, drew significant public attention due to the critical role INEC plays in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The screening session was held at the National Assembly and featured a comprehensive interrogation of the nominee’s qualifications, past affiliations, and vision for the electoral body.

One of the most notable moments came when Senator Seriake questioned Amupitan about his previous involvement with President Tinubu’s legal team, raising concerns about potential bias and the need for impartiality in overseeing elections. Amupitan responded by emphasizing his commitment to neutrality and the rule of law, asserting that his professional background would not interfere with his duties as INEC Chairman.

During the proceedings, Amupitan delivered a full speech outlining his plans for reforming the commission. He addressed issues such as the integrity of the voter registration process, the transparency of election result transmission, and the need to rebuild public trust in the electoral system. He also responded to criticisms raised by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole regarding the conduct of an INEC Commissioner and her spouse in Edo State, firmly defending the commission’s internal review mechanisms.

The nominee expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged to focus on upcoming elections rather than revisiting past controversies. His stance was echoed by legal expert Monday Ubani, who advised that the new chairman should prioritize future electoral credibility over retrospective investigations.

Amupitan’s remarks included a pointed critique of his predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, particularly concerning the lack of clarity around the purpose and implementation of the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal. He stated that under his leadership, technological tools like IREV would be better defined and utilized to enhance transparency.

Following the screening, the Senate confirmed Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman. The confirmation was met with mixed reactions from political observers and civil society groups, some of whom praised his legal acumen and others who remained cautious about his political affiliations.

The screening event underscored the importance of leadership in Nigeria’s electoral commission and the Senate’s role in ensuring that appointees are thoroughly vetted.

With Amupitan now at the helm of INEC, attention turns to how he will navigate the complex landscape of Nigerian elections and whether his tenure will mark a turning point in the commission’s credibility and effectiveness.