By Obinna Uballa
The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued to elicit strong reactions across Nigeria, with both the Labour Party (LP) and a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) calling for transparency, independence, and integrity in the handling of his new assignment.
The Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, urged Amupitan to “redeem Africa’s largest democracy” by restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, or risk “burying the corpse” left behind by his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Akeni said the new INEC boss faces a historic choice that will define his legacy.
“He must choose whether to be honoured by more than 230 million Nigerians, who employed President Bola Tinubu, or to serve the unconstitutional wishes and caprices of a single man, Tinubu, who appointed him,” Akeni stated.
He added that the new chairman must draw lessons from the experience of his predecessor, whose tenure, according to the LP, “mutilated” the country’s democratic process.
“For the Labour Party, the first litmus test that Professor Amupitan must pass to prove his commitment to fairness and the oath of his office is to remove the last trace of Julius Abure and his defunct council members from INEC’s portal and replace them with the Nenadi Usman-led council, which the statutory NEC of the party has submitted in accordance with the Supreme Court’s judgment,” Akeni said.
The statement emphasised that Amupitan’s actions in the coming weeks would show whether he intends to serve the people or political interests, noting that “he is not only on the radar of Nigerians but also of the international community, which looks to Nigeria for democratic leadership.”
Similarly, a coalition of democracy-focused civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), TAF Africa, and others, has demanded a transparent and participatory Senate confirmation process for the new INEC Chairman.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the groups commended Amupitan’s academic and professional qualifications but stressed that integrity, courage, and resistance to political interference were more critical for the role.
“We acknowledge Professor Amupitan’s accomplishments; therefore, we have no objection in principle to his nomination,” the statement read. “However, INEC must remain independent, immune to political manipulation, and unwavering in its commitment to credible elections.”
The CSOs urged the Senate to lead by example by ensuring that Amupitan’s confirmation hearings are public, transparent, and open to citizen participation through petitions and memoranda.
They also outlined key expectations for the screening process, including:
1. Public and Transparent Screening: Hearings should be televised and accessible to all Nigerians.
2. Rigorous Examination: The Senate must thoroughly evaluate Amupitan’s competence, integrity, and commitment to electoral reform.
3. Focus on Institutional Reform: Lawmakers should question his strategy for strengthening INEC’s independence, improving voter registration and result transmission, and ensuring enforcement of electoral guidelines.
The coalition reminded the Senate of the citizens’ framework for participatory confirmation previously submitted to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to ensure full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, public service record, and vision for strengthening electoral credibility.
They reiterated that their position aligns with the recommendations of the Justice Uwais Report, Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reforms, all of which advocate a merit-based and transparent process for appointing INEC leadership.
As Professor Amupitan assumes office amid public scrutiny and partisan tension, both the Labour Party and CSOs insist that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy now rests heavily on his shoulders, and on the Senate’s ability to demonstrate that the nation’s electoral umpire remains truly independent, professional, and accountable to the people.
