BREAKING NEWS: President Bola Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of new INEC chairman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the statutory retirement of Professor Mahmood Yakubu on October 7, 2025.

The nomination, which has already received the endorsement of the National Council of State, signals a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy amid heightened debates on electoral credibility and reform.

Professor Amupitan, a renowned law scholar and respected academic, is being presented as an apolitical figure—a profile the Tinubu administration hopes will reinforce public trust in the electoral body after years of contentious polls.

However, his nomination has not escaped opposition scrutiny. Several lawmakers and civil society actors have raised concerns over his potential impartiality, citing Nigeria’s long history of politically influenced appointments in key democratic institutions.

Fact-checks by independent watchdogs, however, have debunked rumors linking Amupitan to Tinubu’s 2023 election legal team, clarifying that he had no official or advisory role in the president’s campaign litigation. Supporters argue that his academic pedigree and clean record make him a fitting candidate to lead INEC through Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, which increasingly demands transparency, digital efficiency, and public accountability.

Images accompanying the breaking post show Professor Amupitan in traditional attire, his expression calm yet serious, juxtaposed with a wide shot of the Senate chamber—a visual that underscores both the gravity and immediacy of the appointment.

As the Senate prepares for the confirmation hearing, political analysts note that Amupitan’s leadership will be tested early, especially with local council and gubernatorial elections slated for 2026. Many Nigerians view this transition as a chance for INEC to rebuild confidence after the controversies of the 2023 general election and the push for a more digitized voting system.

While the ruling party hails the nomination as a continuation of reform and institutional stability, opposition figures and watchdog organizations insist that actions, not credentials, will determine whether Amupitan can truly safeguard Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

— BusterBlog.com | Politics, Power & Public Accountability