Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has been confirmed as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Nigerian Senate. This significant development followed a comprehensive two-hour screening process in the upper legislative chamber on Thursday, where Amupitan articulated his vision for safeguarding the independence and integrity of Nigeria's electoral system.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously nominated Professor Amupitan, transmitting his request for confirmation to the Senate. The Council of State had unanimously approved Amupitan's nomination on October 9, following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. During the screening, Amupitan arrived at the chamber accompanied by family members and senior officials, and was formally presented to the lawmakers. The session was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In his presentation, Professor Amupitan, who is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos after serving six years as Dean of Law, highlighted his extensive academic and legal background. He informed the Senate that he holds the distinction of being the first professor of law from Kogi State and has previously served as the Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. This nomination marks the first instance of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria being appointed to head INEC, a point acknowledged by Senator Seriake Dickson, who had earlier expressed his intent to support the confirmation.

Addressing lessons learned from the 2023 general elections, Professor Amupitan emphasized the crucial role of technology in enhancing transparency. However, he pointed out that misinterpretations regarding the function of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal had created confusion. He clarified that the Supreme Court had ruled that IReV was not an electronic collation system but rather a safeguard for comparison, as existing laws still provided for manual collation. Amupitan pledged to conduct a comprehensive audit of INEC's technological infrastructure to ensure its reliability for future elections and committed to collaborating with other agencies to uphold electoral integrity.

Following his detailed presentation and engagement with senators on critical questions concerning elections, administration, policy, and the Electoral Act, Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South moved a motion for Amupitan to "take a bow and go." This motion, a traditional gesture for distinguished nominees, was seconded by Senator Olamilekan Solomon of Ogun West. Subsequently, Senate President Akpabio put the confirmation to a voice vote, leading to a unanimous endorsement of Professor Amupitan's appointment by the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, amidst these national developments, former Bayelsa State governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has affirmed his unwavering commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His declaration comes despite significant defections within the state, including that of Governor Douye Diri, 14 members of the state House of Assembly, and numerous party executives, who have reportedly moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Senator Dickson unequivocally stated, "I am not moving. I am still in the PDP. My life and values about constancy, consistency, principles, honour, and loyalty have not changed." He further explained that his decision was rooted in his dedication to the values and ideals of the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta. Dickson acknowledged the internal challenges confronting the PDP but expressed his resolve to work alongside other party leaders to reposition it as a formidable opposition party in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Regarding Professor Amupitan's nomination, Senator Dickson had earlier confirmed that he made inquiries to verify claims about the nominee's alleged involvement with President Tinubu’s legal team during election petitions. He confirmed that the nominee was not a member of the President's legal team, clarifying that the name was being confused with another professor, Professor Osipitan, based in Lagos. Dickson underscored that professional legal service should not automatically be equated with political partisanship, reinforcing his decision to support Amupitan's confirmation.