By Emmanuel Kwada
As Nigeria’s electoral body enters a new era with the unanimous approval of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a measured call for the incoming leader to prioritize public trust over political allegiance.
The National Council of State, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, endorsed Amupitan’s nomination on Thursday, paving the way for Senate screening to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure ended this month amid persistent criticisms over electoral transparency.
The 58-year-old legal scholar from Kogi State, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is hailed as an apolitical figure whose expertise in corporate governance and evidence law could steer reforms. President Tinubu described him as the first North-Central nominee for the role, emphasizing his integrity during the council meeting.
In its preliminary reaction, the ADC expressed cautious optimism, urging Amupitan to seize the opportunity to “restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in Nigerian elections.” National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stressed that the new chairman’s loyalty must lie unequivocally with the people, not the appointing government.
“We are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt based on his track record,” Abdullahi said in a statement. “But now he has the opportunity to make a good name for himself that his children would be proud of, or to soil his record and end up with ignominy.”
Abdullahi further noted Amupitan’s tenure, which is expected to span beyond the next electoral cycle, as a chance to transcend short-term pressures. “He should bear in mind also that his tenure will ordinarily last beyond one electoral cycle. He should therefore look beyond the interest of those who have appointed him,” the statement read, underscoring the ADC’s hope for an independent electoral process free from partisan interference.
The ADC’s remarks come against a backdrop of widespread skepticism toward INEC following the 2023 general elections, marred by allegations of irregularities, technological glitches, and delayed result transmissions. Opposition parties, including the ADC, have long advocated for reforms to bolster credibility, such as enhanced voter verification and real-time result collation.
Amupitan’s academic pedigree—spanning over three decades at the University of Jos, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor—positions him as a potential architect of such changes, with publications on electoral law reform among his contributions.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, a council member, praised Amupitan as a “man of integrity” during the approval session, while stakeholders like the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) echoed the need for immediate action on public confidence.
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan’s career includes roles on the Council of Legal Education and as Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, highlighting his broad influence in legal and educational governance.
The ADC’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among civil society and opposition groups, who view Amupitan’s appointment as a pivotal moment to rebuild faith in Nigeria’s democracy ahead of future polls.
As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, all eyes will be on whether the new INEC chair can deliver the impartiality and innovation demanded by a nation weary of electoral disputes.
