Senate Screens Amupitan as INEC Chairman Today

The Senate will today begin the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, nominated by President Bola Tinubu as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to a notice issued by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary, Research and Information, Bullah Bi-Allah, the screening will take place at the Senate chamber.

Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of Law, was unanimously endorsed by the Council of State for the top electoral position. He is widely respected in legal and academic circles for his contributions to governance, judicial reforms and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Nigeria.

Ahead of his screening, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged Amupitan to uphold his integrity by conducting credible elections that would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Obi said: “None of us will remain in office forever. Whatever position we find ourselves in, it is important to do the right thing. I wish him well and hope he leaves a legacy of fairness and transparency.”

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and a coalition of Northern youth groups have called on the Senate to expedite Amupitan’s confirmation.

The groups, under the aegis of the Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations (CNYO), described Amupitan as a man of integrity and legal expertise, urging lawmakers to confirm him without delay.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Aliyu Mohammed praised President Tinubu for nominating Amupitan and the National Council of State for endorsing his appointment.

He dismissed criticisms regarding Amupitan’s previous work as legal counsel for several political parties, including the APC, PDP, LP and SDP, during election petitions, describing such claims as “baseless and malicious.”

“The Constitution does not disqualify individuals who have represented political parties as lawyers from holding the position of INEC Chairman,” he said. “His experience makes him an exemplary candidate for the role.”

In a related development, the Acting INEC Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, clarified that the commission’s invitation to Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, for a meeting with party leaders was based on a valid court order recognising him as the party’s legitimate leader.

She stated that the commission would continue to comply with all lawful court orders, noting that if other factions presented valid judgments in their favour, INEC would honour them as well.

Agbamuche-Mbu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working with the media, civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible elections, particularly in the forthcoming Anambra governorship poll.