Nigeria, Oct. 16 -- The Senate has confirmed Joash Amupitan as the chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The upper legislative chamber confirmed Mr Amupitan, a professor, on Thursday via a voice vote after about three hours of a rigorous screening session in the Committee of the Whole, during which he was asked questions by the lawmakers

After reverting to plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the question on the confirmation, and the lawmakers voted in support without a dissenting voice.

During the screening, the senators questioned him on his impartiality, legal background, and plans to strengthen the country's electoral process.

Responding to questions from the lawmakers, Mr Amupitan di...