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Tag: Amupitan

  • JUST IN: INEC finalises 2027 election timetable amid Electoral Act passage delay

    JUST IN: INEC finalises 2027 election timetable amid Electoral Act passage delay

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians of its preparedness for the 2027 general election, despite delays in the passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.

    The Commission said it has finalised the election timetable and schedule of activities, pending the outcome of legislative action on the proposed amendments.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs.

    Read Also: Arewa Think Tank opposes removal of INEC chairman

    While he noted that INEC has made its submissions to the National Assembly, Amupitan conceded that some items in the schedule of activities could be impacted by the time the lawmakers pass the electoral act.

    He, however, said for now, the commission has no choice than to rely on the subsisting Act for its activities.

    Details shortly…

  • Arewa Think Tank opposes removal of INEC chairman

    Arewa Think Tank opposes removal of INEC chairman

    • North’s group urges Nigerians to prioritise electoral integrity over religious differences

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has strongly opposed calls to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

    The group warned that such demands could deepen religious division and undermine Nigeria’s democratic process. The ATT Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, who expressed the group’s opposition to such a move, urged Nigerians to focus on the integrity of the electoral system rather than the religious affiliation of public office holders.

    Yakubu said Nigeria’s current challenges demand unity and collective responsibility, not divisive rhetoric.

    “What Nigeria needs now is the integrity of the election. It’s not about the chairman of INEC being a Muslim or being a Christian. We should look at the integrity of the election, and we should stand in unity with this chairman so that he can do his job properly,” Yakubu said.

    The ATT convener cautioned against introducing religious sentiments into the nation’s electoral process, stressing that such actions could further polarise the country at a time of widespread insecurity.

    “We shouldn’t allow those who want to divide us through religion to gain leverage. We must be careful not to bring religion into our electoral system to avoid dividing the good people of this country,” he added.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    Yakubu’s comments came amid rising controversy over renewed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) demanding the removal of the INEC chairman ahead of next year’s general election.

    The council, led by Sheikh Bashir Umar, warned that Muslims across the country would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, citing alleged concerns over integrity and neutrality.

    The Shari’ah Council’s position was reportedly made during this year’s annual pre-Ramadan lecture and General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, January 27.

    Yakubu noted that the council’s statements could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and inflame religious tensions, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with insecurity, economic hardship and social instability.

    The ATT urged religious organisations and leaders to avoid any rhetoric that could promote intolerance or heat up the polity.

    The group stressed that national unity and peace are urgently needed.

    It reaffirmed its confidence in INEC as a constitutional body and urged its leadership to remain focused on its mandate of delivering free, fair and credible elections without undue pressure from sectional interests.

    Also, the Arewa Think Tank maintained that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, regardless of faith, and that leadership positions should not be politicised or weaponised along religious lines.

    Yakubu urged fellow Nigerians to resist divisive narratives and instead support institutions working to strengthen democracy.

    The ATT convener noted that unity remains the country’s greatest strength in the face of ongoing national challenges.

  • Amupitan unveils reform agenda, targets world-class polls in 2027

    Amupitan unveils reform agenda, targets world-class polls in 2027

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has promised to make the 2027 general election a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic history.

    Amupitan spoke in Lagos yesterday at the opening ceremony for an induction, orientation, and retreat for new and current National Commissioners from across the country.

     The chairman, who was meeting most of the commissioners for the first time, said he aims to make INEC the top election management body in Africa, adding that under his leadership, the commission would deliver free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. 

    The retreat, hosted by Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Ayobami Salami, aims to align the commission’s leadership with its goals before the next elections.

    Speaking to participants, the INEC chairman called the retreat a critical way to coordinate strategies and connect experience with the changing needs of elections. He said that since taking office on October 23, 2025, he has been impressed by the professionalism and dedication of INEC staff across the country.

    “We are here not just as election officials, but as guardians of the Nigerian people’s will,” Amupitan said. He added that the retreat is meant to build the commission’s leadership as preparations for the 2027 general election increase.

    He praised INEC staff for their peaceful and professional work during the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election on November 8, 2025, calling it a strong start to his time as chairman. He said the successful election showed the commission is ready for bigger challenges ahead.

    Amupitan said the 2027 general election is INEC’s primary goal, but noted there are essential steps before then, such as the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections in February 2026 and the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

    “These elections are more than routine; they test our determination and readiness,” he said. He explained that they will help improve voter registry management, logistics, and the reliability of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    The INEC chairman listed five key principles for the commission: staying independent, being fair to all candidates and parties, ensuring credibility, being transparent at every stage, and including all Nigerians, such as people with disabilities and those in remote areas.

    Read Also: Amupitan stresses zero corruption tolerance, as INEC coop declares N34m surplus

    Amupitan highlighted young voters, saying that millions of first-time voters in 2027 are used to digital technology and expect high levels of transparency and accountability.

    “We must show these tech-savvy and often sceptical young voters that INEC is trustworthy,” he said. He added that reliable technology and inclusive systems will help earn their lasting trust in democracy.

    Drawing on his experience as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the chairman assured stakeholders that the commission will strictly adhere to the laws governing elections. He stressed that the Electoral Act 2022 and its amendments will be applied with “surgical precision.”

    “With me in charge, the rule of law is not just advice; it is how we operate,” he said.

    Amupitan said that retreat participants will discuss 17 topics, including logistics, staff management, ongoing voter registration, election security, working with other agencies, political party rules, internal party democracy, and campaign finance transparency. He said these talks are essential for resolving ongoing issues, such as hiring temporary staff and organizing transport on election day.

    With Nigerians and the world watching, the INEC chairman warned that the work ahead will be challenging and closely examined. However, he said the commission has a unique chance to change the country’s electoral history.

    “Our success in 2027 should not just be a win for Nigeria; it should set a standard for the whole continent,” he said. He wants INEC to become a global example of election integrity and technology.

    He also promised to support staff welfare, but warned that any misconduct or violation of values would have consequences.

    “There is no place for misconduct, whether by action or inaction,” he said. He encouraged commissioners to use the retreat to build unity, communicate openly, and give helpful feedback.

    Earlier, welcoming participants to Lagos, the host and Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, underscored the importance of early planning, strategic coordination, and institutional cohesion as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general election.

    Salami said the retreat is meant to improve technical skills, strengthen relationships among commissioners, and encourage the sharing of ideas within the commission.

    “These well-planned sessions will help us learn more and give us the tools we need to do our jobs well and with integrity,” he said.

    He added that, in addition to technical talks, the retreat gives colleagues a chance to connect and share ideas, helping INEC work better as a team.

    The retreat will continue with private sessions focused on improving INEC’s readiness and leadership before the upcoming elections.

  • Tech will end identify theft as protracted challenge, says INEC chairman

    Tech will end identify theft as protracted challenge, says INEC chairman

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has said identity theft remains a protracted challenge in Nigeria’s elections.

    Amupitan spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    The INEC chairman said the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would effectively address the issue of identity theft.

    Represented by a National Commissioner and former Acting Chairman of the commission, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the INEC chairman said the era of multiple voting and identity fraud was over.

    He said the BVAS signposted a milestone in the nation’s democratic history, having become a ‘foolproof mechanism’ for verification.

    “The BVAS device has become our frontline defence against identity fraud, ensuring that only the rightful and eligible voters can be accredited at the polling unit. With the biometric safeguards now in place, voter impersonation has been effectively eliminated from our electoral system,” he said.

    Amupitan backed his assertion with BVAS data from the recently concluded Anambra State governorship election, saying the 6,879 BVAS devices configured and deployed for the poll recorded a highly commendable performance.

    According to him, over 99 per cent of polling unit results were uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal on Election Day.

    “These outcomes confirm that the deployment of BVAS and IReV is no longer experimental but an entrenched part of Nigeria’s electoral architecture. The figure announced at the polling units is the same figure visible to the public. Technology has safeguarded the vote,” Amupitan said.

    The INEC chairman reminded the audience that previous technologies, while innovative, lacked the “teeth” of the law, leaving the commission vulnerable to technicalities in election tribunals.

    Read Also: Mine workers to INEC: build on Anambra credible poll

    But that situation shifted with the Electoral Act 2022.

    He highlighted Section 47(2) as the watershed provision that transformed digital devices from mere administrative guidelines into “statutorily protected pillars” of the electoral system.

    Amupitan said: “This legislative foundation ensures that our digital tools have both operational and legal legitimacy. It has strengthened public trust and enabled the commission to innovate with confidence.”

    But the law professor  admitted in the keynote address that while voter impersonation and multiple voting had been largely tackled with BVAS, connectivity remained a logistical headache.

    Amupitan said: “While the commission’s steady deployment of technology has boosted credibility, it is by no means a cure-all. He pointed to the nation’s uneven telecommunications landscape as a stubborn obstacle.

    “With 176,846 polling units tucked into swamps, perched on mountains, and hidden in far-flung communities, achieving real-time upload of Polling Unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal remains one of the toughest battles for transparency on Election Day.“A tool like the BVAS is only as good as the network it runs on,” he admitted, noting that the commission will continue to engage the NCC and network providers to find ways of addressing the challenge, while actively exploring alternative technologies to bridge the gaps.

    Despite these technology challenge, the Amupitan sent a strong signal to the political class that there is no U-turn in deploying technology for elections in the country. He firmly shut the door on any suggestions of returning to manual procedures, describing the old model of manual accreditation as “vulnerable to human interference”.

    He added: “The gains we have recorded are too significant to reverse.”

  • Amupitan pledges electoral justice to curb post-election litigations

    Amupitan pledges electoral justice to curb post-election litigations

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has pledged to champion what he described as “electoral justice” to reduce the high number of post-election litigations in the country.

    Speaking with reporters in Awka on Thursday, Amupitan said his vision is to make Nigeria’s elections so transparent and law-abiding that losing candidates would have no justification to challenge results in court.

    “One of the things I want to introduce is electoral justice — so that if you lose, you know you have lost,” he said. “When people see that justice has been served, they are more likely to accept the outcome.”

    The INEC chairman said that while the commission cannot stop aggrieved candidates from seeking legal redress, strict adherence to the law by all stakeholders would reduce disputes. He stressed the importance of conducting elections that leave no loopholes for tribunals to exploit.

    Read Also: Parents of public school pupils for Soludo

    Amupitan also called for reforms to penalise frivolous petitions, noting that the commission was considering proposals to amend the Electoral Act to impose costs on petitioners who file baseless cases.

    He said credible logistics, compliance with regulations, and inclusivity — especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) — would further strengthen electoral integrity.

    “People may still go to court, but when they see that INEC is serious and transparent, litigation will naturally reduce,” he added.

    Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to improving electoral processes and ensuring that every election under his watch meets both legal and moral standards. (NAN)

  • Pre–election tussles account for 75% of litigations – Amupitan

    Pre–election tussles account for 75% of litigations – Amupitan

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 75 per cent of pre-election litigations the commission was joined in were due to lack of internal democracy and leadership tussles among political parties.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitah, in an interview with the newsmen in Awka on Wednesday, when responding to question if he was concerned about issue of lack of internal democracy among registered political parties in Nigeria.

    Amupitan said that he was bordered by the menace because of the impact on the electoral process and Nigeria democracy.

    “It bothers me because of the money and the time wasted. Every party going to court, they must join INEC. When INEC is joined, the commission must go to court, engage lawyers, we pay for them, which is not cheap.

    “I was informed that 75 per cent of our litigations are in respect of pre-election matters, mostly dealing with political party tussles, and leadership.

    “Also, primaries that are conducted contrary to the provisions of the constitutions of the party,’’ he said.

    Amupitan said that Nigerians continue to scrutinise the country’s elections but ignored the political party’s recruitment process for their candidates and internal democracy.

    He said that INEC, saddled with the responsibility to monitor the parties was strengthening its “monitoring capabilities’’ to ensure that they were well regulated.

    “That does not mean it’s not being done. However, we have also seen some loopholes within the law such that, like all these leadership problems of one party today.

    In fact, as you were speaking, an Abuja Federal High Court says PDP don’t hold convention. Another order from Ibadan, says PDP must hold convention,’’ he said.

    Also responding to question on new party registration, Amupitan said that the party was bond by the law to registered political associations that meet the requirements for registration.

    He cited a court case involving Musa and INEC, where the Supreme Court made it clear that it’s part of INEC constitutional responsibility to register political parties.

    “We are constrained in several ways. If you meant the requirement of the Constitution and of the Electoral Act, of course, the freedom of association. That was the argument of the courts.

    “As speak today, we are looking at some applications. So if you meet the criteria that is established, after proper evaluation and monitoring, then we can consider registration of additional political parties.

    On his view for calls to establish special court to for election related matters, Amupitan said election tribunals were already special court for election related matters.

    He said that the creation of another special court required constitution amendment process, noting that while constitutional amendment process is ongoing right, it remains a very tedious task.

    “Let me also say that the election tribunals established under the constitution, they are also special courts, because they are courts specifically for the purpose of the election.

    “ After the election proceedings, up to the Court of Appeal, they cease to be election petitioner tribunals. Even though they are manned by regular judges.

    “For instance, when the Court of Appeal is exercising its powers as presidential election tribunal, it’s not the Court of Appeal anymore, It’s a special court.

    “Even if you’re sitting in Abuja, you don’t have the same panel in Abuja. A special panel is created for that purpose.

    “So, we already have specialised courts for the purposes of handling election petition, but the issues have to do with maybe the time it takes to conclude election matters.

    “That is part of what is going on in the amendment process, to see how the time can be reduced and maybe some of the technicalities can also be addressed,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • Say no to vote buying, election rigging, Amupitan warns politicians

    Say no to vote buying, election rigging, Amupitan warns politicians

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has raised the alarm over alleged incidents of vote buying in one of the local government areas of Anambra State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

    Prof. Amupitan, who disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka, warned that some individuals were determined to cause confusion and undermine the credibility of the polls through vote buying.

    READ ALSO: No religious persecution in Nigeria, Tuggar insists

    He, however, assured stakeholders that despite such distractions, the commission remained fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in the state.

    “INEC is fully prepared for this election,” he declared. “We will not tolerate any acts capable of compromising the integrity of the electoral process.”

    In his remarks, the Supervising Chairman for the Anambra governorship election and Chairman of the INEC Tenders Board, Dr Ken Ikeagu, announced that a total of 6,879 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines had been fully configured and tested ahead of the poll.

    He added that more than 3,000 vehicles had been secured for the movement of election officials and the conveyance of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, and that 83 boats would be deployed for riverine areas.

    Dr Ikeagu further disclosed that 2,802,790 voters were registered to participate in the election.

  • Fresh on board

    Fresh on board

    • Tasks ahead of new INEC Chairman Amupitan

    Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan on October 23 assumed duty as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). That was exactly a week after he was cleared for the job by the Senate of the Federal Republic, and on the heels of his being sworn-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He took the baton from Professor Mahmood Yakubu who held the office for two consecutive terms that lasted 10 years – the first occupant to hold fort for that length of time.

    President Tinubu tapped Amupitan, a professor of Law with specialty in company law, law of evidence, corporate governance and privatisation law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), for the job about a week earlier on following unanimous endorsement of his candidacy by the National Council of State. The President said he was chosen owing to his apolitical stance, integrity and impeccable record of service.

    The 58-year-old from Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu council area of Kogi State, was until his appointment Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State. He becomes the sixth substantive chairman of INEC since the advent of the Fourth Republic and the second from the field of Law, after the late Justice Ephraim Akpata who was the pioneer chairman.

    At the confirmation hearing where he was asked to take a bow and leave after being interrogated for about two hours by senators, Amupitan outlined his vision for deepening electoral credibility in Nigeria. He also pledged to strengthen institutional reforms within INEC and expand the use of technology to ensure more transparent and efficient elections. Nigeria, according to him, deserves elections where the loser would readily congratulate the winner. “We’re going to see how elections can be made credible such that the loser will come and congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well,’” the professor said. He stressed the need for enhanced electoral credibility, saying credible elections would also restore voter confidence.

    The new electoral czar takes office at a time of great expectations from INEC. His first litmus test is the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election holding November 8, which he urged INEC personnel to brace up for on the day he assumed duty. Truth, though, is that he is too new to make much difference in the state of the commission’s readiness hitherto and will have to depend heavily on what he met in place.

    Still, the new helmsman comes to a full plate of tasks, with the electoral commission set to conduct no fewer than four other off-cycle polls, including governorships in Ekiti and Osun states before the 2027 general election. It will be Amupitan’s duty to ensure that these polls reflect the will of voters.

    Meanwhile, timelines leading up to the next general poll are already extremely tight. Under the framework of law as presently obtains, INEC is expected to issue a one-year notice of election, meaning the commission must issue that notice by February 2026 if the election will hold in February/March 2027. Lately, there were reports that national lawmakers contemplate effecting changes in the law to move the general election forward by six months, so to allow time for exhausting petitions arising from the polls before May 29, 2027 inauguration date for new tenures.

    This proposal implies that the upcoming poll could fall in November 2026. If lawmakers push through with the idea, INEC should be ready to issue the notice of election this November – that is, only a couple of weeks from now. And so, the new chairman must double pace in settling down so as to get a handle on the electoral project he will be presiding over in due time. True, the commission has a bureaucracy that keeps its operations going even amidst transition in leadership, but the election call is inevitably that of the helmsman who will answer for the outcomes.

    The new INEC chair couldn’t be more on point when he spoke at his confirmation hearing about the need to deepen the credibility of elections. He has his job cut out there, because much of the ills that presently plague Nigeria’s electoral system hang on this factor. For instance, voter turnout has progressively dwindled against ballooning voter register – hitting a low of all lows at 26.72 percent turnout in the 2023 general election.

    READ ALSO: Over $50bn in Crypto transactions passed through Nigeria in one year-SEC

    It is not INEC’s core responsibility to mobilise voters for higher turnout, but that of political parties and other stakeholders like the media and civil society. The commission, however, must lead the charge by deepening election credibility as would boost voter confidence and thus encourage turnout.

    Deepened credibility of elections could also begin to re-acculturate political actors from the tendency to acute desperation that fuels violence during elections and largely accounts for high cost of polls. Much of the expenses incurred on elections by INEC are informed by efforts to stay ahead of desperation-induced malpractices by political actors; and that is not mentioning endless election-related litigations at huge costs to public as well as private treasuries.

    Amupitan said he envisioned the day when losers would readily congratulate winners. That is a lofty goal he needs all the resolve, grit and sagacity he can muster to pursue. The factors of tribe, religion, the big man syndrome and sense of entitlement have beclouded our sense of political propriety, hence acceptance of electoral defeat has become a challenge.

    While at the task, the new INEC boss must find a way to cut the cost of Nigerian elections. The 2023 poll got N355.298billion in appropriation and ranked as the costliest election – in committed sum – since the Fourth Republic began. Of course, we know that it all ties together. Cutting election costs by the electoral commission largely depends on greater civility among political actors; while politicians, for their part, might just be waiting to see indubitable proof of election credibility to de-escalate desperation. That is why it falls back on the electoral commission to better fine-tune its processes so to win greater confidence from political players, just as it does from voters. Amupitan will be in the driving seat of that whole endeavour.

    There are broad-stroke expectations from the new INEC chief, like strengthening the statutory independence of the commission and reinforcing its neutrality from partisans. He is also expected to build on technology deployments by his predecessors to steer this country into full-scale electronic voting. People who know the new electoral czar say he is brilliant, non-partisan and high on integrity. But the tasks ahead require more than those personality traits to navigate the toxic political environment and insider derelictions within the electoral agency itself. We wish him all the luck he needs.

  • UPDATED: Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman

    UPDATED: Amupitan assumes duty as INEC chairman

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan assumed duty on Thursday with a promise that the integrity of the nation’s electoral system was not negotiable. Amupitan arrived the INEC headquarters in Maitama area of Abuja at exactly 2.27 pm in a white coaster bus and a motor cade accompanied by the National Commissioners after his swearing in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He was however ushered into the conference Hall of the Commission at about 2.57pm clad in white babariga with a Yoruba traditional cap to match, where he was introduced to the Directors of the Commission. 

    He was accompanied to the Commission headquarters by  his wife, who is said to be a Professor; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor; Registrar of the University of Jos; the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University; the Bursar of the university as well as  the University Librarian. 

    Amupitan, who was  cleared by the Senate recently after endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State was sworn in on Thursday by the President.  

    Addressing the staff of the Commission, Prof Amupitan pledge his commitment to electoral integrity and ensuring that the vote of Nigerians count, saying the eyes of Nigerians was on the commission. 

    He said as Chairman of the commission, he will work with the staff to promote the highest standard of discipline, transparency and integrity of the electoral system in the country and carrying out the constitutional mandate of the commission which is to deliver credible, free and fair election. 

    While calling for teamwork, he said: “We must work together to improve the entire electoral system. The Anambra election is not just another election, but an avenue to demonstrate free and fair election.” 

    Amupitan said working in unity of purpose by the entire staff of the commission was paramount in assuring Nigerians that their votes will count. 

    Read Also: Tinubu to Amupitan: ensure free, fair, credible elections

    He told the staff not to compromise their values, saying the integrity of the electoral system was not negotiable, while assuring that staff welfare and training will receive the needed attention. 

    He said: “I want to assure you of my commitment to holding the highest standard of integrity, transparency and discipline in all our operations. I want to give you that assurance, and also to let you know that our mandate is very clear as INEC. 

    “INEC has a constitutional responsibility and a statutory mandate which is it to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflects the will of Nigerian people? To achieve this, we must work together as a team. So that’s why it was so important for us to start our assignment with this interaction. 

    “We have to be team players. While we look at the KPIs of individuals. We will also look at how it’s tied to your overall performance as a team players, which is very, very crucial for us. Therefore, to achieve this, we have to work together, leveraging on our unique skills and expertise and improve our own process. So the essence is to tap your brains so that we’ll be able to achieve our mandates. 

    “As we gather for this meeting, it’s important to acknowledge the critical role of INEC tp the future of Nigeria. The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is not just Another electoral exercise. It represents an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair and credible elections the eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that location.”

  • Tinubu to Amupitan: ensure free, fair, credible elections

    Tinubu to Amupitan: ensure free, fair, credible elections

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to ensure elections remain free, fair and credible, stressing that electoral integrity is the foundation of democracy and public trust.

    Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu declared that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system must be “beyond reproach,” noting that constant improvements are necessary to address past challenges and adapt to new realities.

    “It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must continue improving our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today,” the President said.

    He emphasised that protecting the sanctity of the ballot was essential to the people’s right to choose their leaders and shape their collective destiny. 

    According to him, transparency, non-violence, and credibility must define every phase of the electoral process — from voter registration to campaigning, voting, and counting of ballots.

    President Tinubu said that while no electoral system is flawless, continuous reforms and institutional strengthening are vital to sustaining democracy. 

    “To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected,” he said, urging INEC to ensure that its operations remain resilient and safeguarded against “artificial setbacks.”

    Congratulating Professor Amupitan on his Senate-confirmed appointment, Tinubu described it as a “testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.”

    He reminded the new INEC chairman that his tenure begins with a critical test — the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State — which would serve as a benchmark for public confidence in his leadership.

    “I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment, to preserve the integrity of our elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” the President said.

    Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, noting that the country had made significant progress through innovations, reforms, and institutional strengthening over 25 years. 

    “Our democracy has come a long way,” he said, adding that sustaining its gains requires an unrelenting commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance in a complex, multifaceted society.

    Speaking to journalists shortly after his swearing-in, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and deliver on the President’s directive for credible polls.

    “I will reaffirm what I have just taken, that I’m going to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as they relate to the electoral system.

    “Like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free elections. I will ensure that is done. I’m also going to engage all stakeholders, because no matter how high you set the bar, you still need the cooperation of all stakeholders to succeed”, he said.