The Senate, on Thursday, approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation of Amupitan followed a screening session by lawmakers in the Senate Chamber during a Committee of the Whole.

Lawmakers asked many questions during the session, which Amupitan responded to.

After the screening exercise, the nominee was permitted to take a bow and exited the Senate chambers with a promise that the decision of the lawmakers would be conveyed to him.

After the exit of the INEC Chairman-designate and entourage, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to restore all floor privileges earlier suspended.

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader and approved by the lawmakers when it was put to voice vote.

Thereafter, Senate President Akpabio approved nomination of Amupitan for appointment as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when it was put to voice vote.

“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Akpabio said.

During the screening session, Amupitan promised: “No voter will be left behind,” adding: “We will invest in logistics and technology — and where necessary, deploy drones with adequate safeguards — to ensure election materials and personnel reach every part of Nigeria safely and on time.”

Amupitan, a Professor of Law and former university administrator, said he is determined to modernise operational framework to ensure inclusivity and efficiency.

He assured lawmakers that his administration would work closely with the Joint Committee on Election Security to address threats that hinder smooth electoral operations, particularly in hard-to-reach or conflict-prone areas.

Beyond technology, Amupitan emphasised voter and civic education as the cornerstone of credible elections. He said INEC under his watch would embark on an extensive national enlightenment campaign to improve understanding of democratic processes among citizens.

“We will embark on aggressive civic and voter education across the country,” he said. “INEC will build the capacity not only of its staff but also of all election stakeholders — including political parties, their members, civil society organisations, and the electorate.”

He said the Commission would perform this role as mandated by Section 2 of the Electoral Act, which assigns INEC the responsibility of educating citizens on electoral procedures and democracy.

According to him, strengthening stakeholder knowledge would help reduce election-day irregularities and foster citizens’ confidence in the process.

“When people understand the process, they are less likely to be manipulated or discouraged. Our goal is to build an informed electorate that participates fully and freely,” he noted.

Amupitan also reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability, adding that INEC would strictly comply with existing financial and procurement laws to ensure judicious use of public funds.

“We will enforce all financial laws to the letter,” he said. “Every kobo released to the Commission will be used for the purpose for which it is appropriated.”