Senate Set to Screen Tinubu’s INEC Chairman Nominee Amid Growing Public Scrutiny

By Diafa Doubra,

The Nigerian Senate will today begin the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The exercise comes amid heightened public interest and debate over Amupitan’s suitability for the critical role.

Professor Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and former Dean of Law at the University of Jos, was nominated by President Tinubu to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended. His nomination has, however, stirred mixed reactions from civil society groups and opposition figures, with some questioning his political neutrality and independence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced the screening schedule during Wednesday’s plenary, assured Nigerians that the process would be transparent and strictly guided by the Constitution. “This Senate will ensure that only individuals of integrity, competence, and impartiality occupy sensitive national offices,” Akpabio said.

Political observers believe the screening will serve as a key test of the administration’s commitment to electoral reforms and democratic transparency. INEC plays a central role in organizing credible elections, and whoever leads the commission will shape Nigeria’s electoral landscape ahead of future polls.

Civil society organizations have urged lawmakers to thoroughly vet Amupitan’s record, academic background, and affiliations to ensure he can uphold the independence of the electoral body.