By John Umeh
The Senate will today begin the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A notice signed by Bullah Bi-Allah, Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary for Research and Information, confirmed that lawmakers will carry out the exercise inside the Senate chamber.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of Law, was nominated by the President and later endorsed unanimously by the National Council of State. He is widely respected in academic and legal circles for his work on judicial reforms, governance, and strengthening democratic institutions.
Obi Urges Integrity
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the nominee to safeguard his reputation by ensuring credible and transparent elections if confirmed as INEC Chairman.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Obi stressed that every public office holder must think beyond tenure and power.
“It is for the good of everybody. None of us will be here forever, and he will not remain in that position forever. Whatever office we occupy, it is an opportunity to do the right thing. I wish him well,” Obi said.
He also weighed in on the recent defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing claims that it was part of a wider plot to dominate the South-East. According to Obi, the governor’s decision was more likely driven by personal political calculations.
Northern Groups, NANS Back Nominee
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the Senate to confirm Amupitan without delay. A coalition of Northern youth groups under the aegis of the Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations (CNYO), alongside the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has passed a vote of confidence on him.
Spokesman for the coalition, Aliyu Mohammed, described Amupitan as a man of integrity with vast experience in law and governance. He commended President Tinubu for the nomination and dismissed what he called “malicious claims” that Amupitan’s past legal representation of political parties should disqualify him.
“The Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit individuals who have served as counsel to political parties from becoming INEC Chairman. His expertise makes him a strong and credible candidate,” Mohammed said.
The groups urged lawmakers to confirm the nominee swiftly, assuring Nigerians that Amupitan would uphold fairness, justice, and impartiality.
INEC Clarifies Abure’s Role
In a related development, Acting INEC Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, has explained why the electoral body continues to recognise Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
She said the decision was in line with a ruling of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwagwalada, which affirmed Abure’s leadership.
“As a law-abiding institution, INEC always complies with valid court orders. Should the faction led by Lamidi Apapa or Usman Nevada present a favourable judgment, the commission will also obey accordingly,” she said during a quarterly meeting with media executives in Abuja.
Agbamuche-Mbu also reaffirmed INEC’s readiness to work with civil society organisations, the media, and political stakeholders to deliver a credible governorship election in Anambra State.
