Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

INEC Chair Says 2027 Election May Not Be Perfect, Promises Best Poll Yet

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged Nigerians to temper expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections, acknowledging that while the commission is committed to delivering credible polls, achieving absolute perfection may not be realistic at this stage. He made this known during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme on the Electoral Act 2026, where he emphasized that the commission would do its utmost to improve on past performances. “Let me just appeal to Nigerians… what Nigerians desire is a perfect election. And INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election. However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now.” Amupitan reiterated that INEC has the infrastructure to electronically transmit election results, clarifying that previous concerns centered mainly on real-time uploads rather than capacity. “As far as electronic transmission of results is concerned… we have the capacity to transmit the results, and that we’re going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time.” Referencing the recent FCT Area Council election, he explained that delayed uploads from Kabi ward in Kuje were caused by difficult terrain and weak network coverage, not an inability to transmit results. “I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem… the problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have.” The INEC boss stressed that sound logistics are central to successful elections, noting that operational shortcomings can undermine the credibility of the entire exercise. “Your election can be as good as your logistics. So, where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail.” While admitting that some challenges experienced were linked to human errors, he said corrective steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence. Despite the hurdles, Amupitan expressed optimism that the 2027 elections would reflect significant progress, adding that greater transparency would strengthen public trust and national development. “I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have… by the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward.”

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Council Of State Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan As New INEC Chairman

INEC Chairman Vows Arrest Of Vote Buyers Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the rising threat of vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that those involved will be arrested and prosecuted. During a press conference, the INEC Chairman said the commission has already engaged security and anti-graft agencies following intelligence reports pointing to the likelihood of vote trading and election-related violence. “We had a meeting with the security. We specifically charged the Nigerian police, the EFCC, and also the ICPC to be on guard so that we can erase the imminence of vote buying, what some people call vote trading.” He explained that the concerns were flagged through evidence-based findings and would not be ignored by the commission. “So we have noted that this is also flagged by the committee, and then the high number of security violence that is likely to occur. They are presented to us as evidence-based information. So we are not going to take it for granted.” According to him, INEC has begun sharing intelligence with its security partners to enable them take proactive steps ahead of the elections. “We are going to be sharing this with our security partners so that they can use the information to take necessary steps that we are supposed to take.” The INEC Chairman stressed that collaboration and information sharing are critical in addressing security challenges in the current political climate. “As we navigate the complexity of security in today’s political climate, it is imperative that we share information, learn from one another, and implement best practices that have proven effective.” He also acknowledged the role of the National Peace Committee, describing its input as vital to maintaining peace and strengthening democracy. “We appreciate the insight and guidance that the National Peace Committee brings to this partnership, and we are eager to work together in promoting peace, educating our communities, and strengthening the foundation of our democracy.” INEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the 2027 elections reflect the will of the people, free from violence, vote buying, and destruction, adding that unity and collaboration among stakeholders remain key to achieving peaceful and credible polls.

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Tinubu Swears In Amupitan As INEC Chairman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the beginning of a new leadership era for Nigeria’s electoral body. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, one week after the Senate confirmed Amupitan’s appointment on October 16, following a rigorous screening exercise. In his address, President Tinubu charged the new INEC Chairman to “protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and the entire electoral process” while building on the institutional strength and independence of the commission. Amupitan, who arrived at the State House in a white agbada and gold cap, was accompanied by presidential aides and several dignitaries. The professor of law’s nomination had earlier been endorsed by the National Council of State before Senate confirmation. The 58-year-old legal scholar succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended, becoming the sixth substantive head of INEC since its establishment. During his Senate screening, Amupitan outlined his plans to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s elections by strengthening the Electoral Act, harmonising election timelines, and improving transparency in result transmission. He told lawmakers: “We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored.” Addressing speculations linking him to President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria dismissed the claims, saying: “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties.” Following his swearing-in, Professor Amupitan is expected to assume duties immediately at the INEC headquarters in Abuja and begin the transition process at the commission.

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Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman

JUST IN: Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, with top government officials in attendance. Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes after his confirmation by the Senate last week, and he succeeds Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure has ended. During the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and enhancing the commission’s capacity to conduct free, fair, and credible elections nationwide.

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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Joash Amupitan Set To Assume INEC Chairmanship Thursday

Joash Amupitan, newly confirmed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will officially take office on Thursday. He is scheduled to meet with INEC directors at the commission’s headquarters, according to Victoria Eta-Messi, director of voter education and publicity. Before taking charge, Mr Amupitan will be sworn in by President Bola Tinubu during a National Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The 58-year-old Law professor at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria was confirmed by the Senate last Thursday through a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Senate Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan’s confirmation, which took place on Thursday, followed a rigorous screening session where he answered questions from senators over several hours. The queries focused on issues such as electoral reforms, electoral malpractices, and the independence of INEC. Following the confirmation, the Senate is now expected to formally notify President Bola Tinubu of Amupitan’s appointment. Prior to the confirmation, President Tinubu had written to the Senate urging lawmakers to expedite the process of approving Amupitan’s nomination.  

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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Senate To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

The Senate is set to conduct the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, October 16, 2025. A circular released Wednesday by the Senate’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, confirmed that the screening will take place in the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly Complex. Members of the press and television stations have been asked to provide coverage of the event. The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Tinubu’s letter requesting Amupitan’s confirmation was read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The nominee’s appointment had been endorsed last week by the National Council of State, signaling a key transition at INEC following Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year tenure. In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu stated that the nomination was made in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged lawmakers to give it prompt consideration. He described Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as “an apolitical figure of impeccable integrity.” Amupitan’s nomination has reignited debates over INEC’s independence and credibility in the wake of the 2023 general elections. While the presidency has highlighted his impartiality, opposition parties and civil society organizations have stressed the need for a transparent and thorough confirmation process. Thursday’s screening is expected to attract nationwide attention, as it could shape future electoral reforms and serve as an early test of the government’s commitment to credible elections ahead of 2027.  

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Tinubu Requests Senate Approval For Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has sent a formal request to the Senate seeking confirmation of Joash Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The request, communicated in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was read during Tuesday’s plenary session. Amupitan’s appointment was unanimously approved by the National Council of State on October 9. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, he will succeed Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his tenure at the commission. In the letter, Tinubu emphasized that the confirmation aligns with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and expressed hope that the Senate would expedite the approval process. Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative consideration.  

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