The Senate will on Thursday, October 16, 2025, screen Professor Joash Amupitan, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement was made on Wednesday through a circular from the Senate’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, and shared with journalists in Abuja. The screening will take place in the Senate Chamber at the National Assembly Complex.
This development comes shortly after President Tinubu’s letter requesting Amupitan’s confirmation was read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary. Tinubu’s request stated that the appointment was made under Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged the Senate to consider it promptly.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and law professor, was recently endorsed by the National Council of State to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose 10-year tenure as INEC chairman ended recently.According to the Senate notice, media houses and television stations have been invited to provide live coverage of the screening to ensure the public is fully informed.
Amupitan’s nomination has stirred public discussion over the future of electoral reforms and INEC’s credibility following the 2023 general elections. While the presidency has described him as a neutral and credible candidate, opposition parties and civic groups have called for a transparent and thorough confirmation process.
The Thursday screening is expected to attract nationwide attention, as the outcome may influence future election management and the country’s commitment to credible electoral practices ahead of the 2027 polls.