The Presidency has said that the incoming Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, must demonstrate courage, independence, and transparency to restore Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral body — trust which it admits has “wavered” in recent years.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, stated this in a release on Friday titled “INEC Chairman: Making a Difference — A Choice Unanimous”, issued in Abuja.
Dare described Amupitan’s appointment as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that it reflects a rare consensus across political and civic divides.
He said the new INEC chairman’s wealth of experience in academia, corporate governance, and public service uniquely positions him to steer the commission through its most challenging phase — restoring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process.
“In every democracy, the integrity of elections rests squarely on the shoulders of its electoral umpire,” Dare noted.
He emphasized that rebuilding INEC’s credibility will require more than administrative efficiency — it demands moral courage and a genuine commitment to fairness.
Dare also urged INEC to invest in digital voter education and civic awareness campaigns, particularly to renew young Nigerians’ faith in elections as instruments of meaningful change.
According to him, President Tinubu’s appointment of Amupitan underscores his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral governance.
He, therefore, urged the new INEC chairman to “seize the moment and lead by example.”
The Daily Post recalls that the National Council of State had unanimously endorsed the Kogi-born professor of law on Thursday to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday.
President Tinubu, during the meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, said Amupitan was chosen for his apolitical stance, integrity, and impeccable record of service.
Comments