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The Senate has approved Professor Joash Amupitan as the incoming Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber endorsed Amupitan following a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after going through a review process and responding to inquiries from the lawmakers.

Amupitan had previously reached the National Assembly premises, and greeted the Senators.

He was taken to the room along with the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other notable figures.

Around 12:50 p.m., the candidate was led into the Senate room by the Presidential Advisor for National Assembly Affairs (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated before the process began.

Amupitan was permitted entry into the sacred room following a motion by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), to suspend Order 12 so that guests could be admitted, which was supported by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio extended a warm welcome to Amupitan, his relatives, and supporters in the Red Chamber, praising their attendance.

Prior to presenting himself to the Senators for the question and answer session, Akpabio informed his colleagues that the nominee had been approved by the National Security Adviser’s office following a thorough review.

As per Akpabio, the Department of State Services office had also exonerated him.

The Senate President further stated that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, after conducting a fingerprint analysis on him, exonerated him and confirmed that he has no criminal history with the police.

The evaluation process began around 12:55 p.m. after Akpabio’s initial statements, in which he described the steps that lawmakers should take when reviewing the candidate’s qualifications.

The event centered on Amupitan’s perspective on reliable elections, his proposals for structural changes in INEC, and steps to enhance the application of technology in Nigeria’s voting system.

After being approved by the Senate, Amupitan will be responsible for organizing the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections and setting the stage for the 2027 national elections.

PUNCH Online previously stated that President Bola Tinubu had selected Amupitan, a Law professor from the University of Jos, to replace Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The President’s letter announcing Amupitan’s nomination was presented in the Senate by Akpabio during a session on Tuesday.

A prominent Nigerian legal professional and former head of the Law Faculty at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is well-known for his knowledge in constitutional and international law.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).