The Presidency has outlined key expectations for the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, stressing that courage, independence, and transparency will be vital in rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
This was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications. The statement, titled “INEC Chairman: Making a Difference — A Choice Unanimous”, comes just a day after Amupitan’s nomination was unanimously endorsed by the National Council of State.
According to Dare, the appointment of Prof. Amupitan represents a “defining moment” for Nigeria’s democracy, especially in a period where the credibility of INEC has been questioned by many Nigerians due to controversies surrounding recent elections.
“In every democracy, the integrity of elections rests squarely on the shoulders of its electoral umpire,” Dare said.
He added that restoring confidence in the Commission would require not just administrative efficiency, but also moral courage and a strong commitment to fairness.
Describing Prof. Amupitan as a man of “integrity and capacity,” the presidential spokesman noted that the Kogi-born professor of law brings with him a solid track record from academia, corporate governance, and public service.
“His background positions him well to steer the Commission through one of its most critical challenges — restoring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process,” Dare said.
He explained that President Tinubu’s choice of Amupitan was based on the new chairman’s apolitical stance, impeccable character, and commitment to national development.
Dare said the wide acceptance of Amupitan across political and civil society lines showed the level of trust and expectation Nigerians have in his leadership.
Beyond restoring credibility to INEC, Dare highlighted the need for broader reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially in areas such as digital voter education, civic awareness, and youth inclusion.
“INEC must invest in digital voter education and civic engagement to reignite the confidence of young Nigerians in elections as a true instrument of change,” he stated.
Young voters make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s voting population, but many have expressed frustration with the electoral process, alleging irregularities, voter suppression, and lack of transparency during recent polls.
Dare said reversing this trend would require INEC to do more than just organise elections — it must actively work to make the process transparent, fair, and inclusive.
President Bola Tinubu, who announced Amupitan’s appointment earlier this week during a Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the decision was in line with his administration’s goal of strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
According to the President, Amupitan’s selection was based on his non-partisan nature, deep understanding of electoral law, and dedication to public service.
The outgoing INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, ended his two-term, ten-year tenure on Tuesday. While Yakubu’s time in office saw several electoral reforms, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal, his leadership also faced intense criticism over the 2023 general elections, particularly regarding the presidential poll.
Sunday Dare concluded his statement with a strong message to the new INEC Chairman:
“This is a moment to lead with courage and conviction. The task ahead is enormous, but it is also an opportunity to write your name in the history of Nigerian democracy.”
