The request was conveyed in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. It followed the endorsement of Amupitan’s nomination by the Council of State last week Thursday.

According to the President, the appointment was made in line with Section 154, subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The letter read in part:

“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I urge the Senate to give this nomination its usual expeditious consideration.”

Tinubu also attached the nominee’s curriculum vitae for the lawmakers’ review and extended his regards to the Senate leadership.

In response, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for screening at the earliest opportunity.

In a separate communication, President Tinubu also requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Mrs. Ayo Omidiran as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, alongside 28 other nominees for the positions of Federal Commissioners. Among the nominees is Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi from Kwara State.

Professor Amupitan’s nomination comes at a crucial period of debate over the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body. His selection follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served two terms as INEC Chairman.

While some critics have voiced concerns about maintaining INEC’s neutrality, President Tinubu has described Amupitan as “an apolitical figure of proven integrity and competence,” adding that the nomination was based on merit, record of service, and character.