The recent appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Council of State marks a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic journey. As a legal scholar and seasoned public servant, Amupitan steps into a role fraught with expectations, complexities, and the urgent need for reform. His emergence is both a moment of celebration and a call to action.
A Congratulatory Note
First, congratulations are in order. Professor Amupitan’s elevation is a testament to his intellectual depth, legal acumen, and longstanding commitment to public service. Nigerians across the globe, including those of us in the diaspora, welcome this appointment with cautious optimism. The task ahead is monumental, but so is the opportunity to restore faith in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Can He Make a Difference?
The answer lies not in his credentials but in his courage. Nigeria’s electoral terrain is layered with historical distrust, logistical bottlenecks, and political interference. Making a difference will require more than technical competence, it demands moral clarity, strategic foresight, and institutional independence. Amupitan must reimagine INEC not just as an election manager but as a guardian of democratic integrity.
Can He Receive Kudos from Nigerians?
Yes, but only if he earns it. Nigerians are weary of broken promises and compromised processes. The 2023 elections left many disillusioned, with concerns about result transmission, voter suppression, and judicial reversals. If Amupitan can deliver transparency, impartiality, and accountability, he will not only receive kudos but also rekindle national trust. His success will be measured not by praise from politicians but by confidence from the electorate.
Navigating Multidimensional Political Ideologies
Nigeria’s political landscape is a labyrinth of ideologies, some genuine, many transactional. From the dominant APC and PDP to emerging youth-driven platforms, Amupitan must rise above partisan pressures. His mandate is constitutional, not political. He must insulate INEC from executive manipulation, legislative overreach, and judicial compromise. This requires internal reforms, external engagement, and a culture of non-negotiable neutrality.
Strategic communication will be key. He must engage civil society, empower grassroots monitors, and embrace digital tools that reduce human interference. Transparency must be institutionalized, not performative.
Delivering Free and Fair Elections: Is It Possible?
Yes, but it demands boldness. Free and fair elections in Nigeria are not just about ballot boxes, they are about security, logistics, judiciary, media narratives, and citizen engagement. Amupitan must work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that electoral laws are not just passed but implemented. He must demand accountability from security agencies and ensure that INEC’s operational independence is not compromised by budgetary delays or political pressure.
The upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo will be early tests. Success there will set the tone for 2027. He must also address diaspora voting, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and gender imbalance in political representation. These are not just technical issues, they are moral imperatives.
Are Legislative Tools Sufficient for Truth and Legitimacy?
The Electoral Act 2022 is a step forward, but it is not a panacea. While it provides for electronic transmission of results and stricter timelines, enforcement remains weak. Amupitan must push for amendments that close loopholes, especially around pre-election litigation, party financing, and INEC’s prosecutorial powers. He must also advocate for constitutional clarity on INEC’s role vis-à-vis state electoral commissions, which often serve as rubber stamps for ruling parties.
Moreover, synergy with the judiciary is essential. Post-election tribunals must not be seen as extensions of political warfare. If INEC’s processes are airtight, judicial reversals will be rare and public confidence will grow.
My conclusion is that Professor Amupitan stands at a crossroads. He can either be a transitional figure or a transformational leader. The hurdles before him are real, political interference, logistical nightmares, voter apathy, and institutional fatigue. But so are the opportunities, digital innovation, youth engagement, diaspora support, and global democratic solidarity.
As a son of Nigeria watching from the diaspora, I believe that leadership is not about perfection but about conviction. If Amupitan leads with integrity, courage, and strategic foresight, he will not only deliver credible elections but also anchor Nigeria’s democratic destiny.
May his tenure be marked by truth, fairness, and legacy.
— Dr Ademola Adeleke
Manchester, United Kingdom
Dentist | Political Analyst | Advocate for Unity and Democratic Excellence.
