The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan underwent a rigorous screening session lasting about three hours, where he addressed questions from lawmakers on his vision, integrity and capacity to lead the commission.
Amupitan pledged to reform INEC’s logistics operations, introduce cloned security features on sensitive materials and conduct comprehensive audits to prevent electoral malpractice.He affirmed his commitment to maintaining INEC’s independence, ensuring credible elections and upholding the constitution.
Amupitan emphasized the importance of civic education, promising to invest in voter sensitization programs and ensure inclusivity in the electoral process. With his confirmation, Amupitan faces the task of restoring public confidence in INEC, improving electoral processes and addressing the challenges of voter apathy and electoral violence.
“I am taking this position on trust, and those who will work with me must also recognise that they are holding the trust of the Nigerian people.To maintain integrity, I intend to set up an ethics and compliance committee within INEC to audit reported cases of misconduct. We will follow through on all reported cases to ensure accountability. Electoral offences must carry consequences. The current system lacks sufficient capacity to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes.
We need a dedicated body with the mandate and resources to handle this critical task. INEC will work closely with the legislature to achieve that. People must be free to report malpractices without fear of victimisation, No voter will be left behind.
That will be our guiding principle. We will assess the existing systems, review the technology, and adopt what best enhances transparency and credibility, Our goal is simple. Elections are so credible that even losers will accept the results in good faith.” He stated.
Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), succeeds Mahmood Yakubu, who stepped down after a decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman.
