The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has described Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as a scholar of integrity with distinguished public character.
Confirming his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today, October 16, the Senate commended the President for choosing him for the job.
In his presentation to the Senate at the screening session, Professor Amupitan promised to restore public trust in the nation’s electoral system by strengthening institutional transparency and embracing modern technology to ensure credible elections.
He also promised reforms that would improve logistics, staff training and digital transmission of results.
The new INEC chairman vowed that henceforth “every vote must count in Nigeria.”
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, congratulated the new INEC chairman, advising him to approach the office with impartiality and courage.
“Professor Amupitan must prove to Nigerians that the integrity of our electoral process remains sacred.’
Lawmakers across party lines commended the nomination, citing Amupitan’s vast legal experience and academic pedigree. Before his appointment, he served as a Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, and is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with decades of legal scholarship and advisory work.
His integrity and impartiality will be put to full test in the series of off-cycle elections that are still outstanding and importantly, during the preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Professor Amupitan’s emergence signals the beginning of a potentially reform-minded era at INEC. His legal background and academic independence may help stabilise the Commission after years of public scrutiny and mixed performance ratings.
Restoring voter confidence, safeguarding digital integrity and ensuring transparency in future polls will test both his leadership and Nigeria’s political will.
If he delivers on his promises, Professor Amupitan would redefine INEC’s credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the global democratic community.
