The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Prof. Rhoda H. Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following her nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Her confirmation came after a thorough screening session held on Thursday, October 17, 2025, where senators unanimously endorsed her appointment, describing her as a competent and credible academic with extensive experience in law, public administration, and electoral reforms.
Prof. Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and professor of law at the University of Jos, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this year.
Senate Screen Amupitan as Next INEC Chairman
During her screening, the new INEC boss assured lawmakers of her commitment to restoring public confidence in the electoral system and strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I am fully committed to ensuring that every vote counts. INEC under my leadership will uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in all electoral activities,” Prof. Amupitan said during her address to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.
She further emphasized the need for improved technology in elections, voter education, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act to curb irregularities and strengthen electoral credibility.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while announcing the confirmation, congratulated the new chairman and urged her to prioritize the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of upcoming gubernatorial and by-elections across the country.
“Prof. Amupitan’s appointment marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s democracy. The Senate expects her to uphold the principles of fairness, independence, and integrity as she leads INEC into a new era,” Akpabio stated.
Lawmakers across party lines praised her credentials, describing her as a “thorough professional” and a “woman of integrity” capable of steering the electoral body towards more transparent and efficient elections.
Reactions have begun pouring in from civil society organizations, political observers, and citizens, many of whom have expressed optimism that her tenure will bring much-needed reforms to Nigeria’s election management system.
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), in a statement posted on its official social media handle, called the appointment “a step in the right direction,” urging the new INEC boss to focus on restoring voter trust, improving logistics, and combating electoral violence.
With her confirmation, Prof. Amupitan officially becomes Nigeria’s first female substantive INEC Chairman, a historic milestone in the country’s democratic journey.
She is expected to assume office immediately and begin consultations with electoral commissioners, state REC officials, and key stakeholders as preparations begin for the 2026 election calendar.
