A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’, Okutepa described the appointment as the best decision made by President Tinubu, citing Professor Amupitan’s considerable credibility and integrity.

Professor Amupitan’s nomination follows the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman. According to Okutepa, Professor Amupitan possesses the necessary expertise in evidence, electoral jurisprudence, and administrative capacities to lead the electoral body effectively. The senior lawyer advised the new INEC chair to maintain his integrity and resist any attempts at corruption, emphasizing the need to restore Nigerians’ trust in the electoral commission.

Okutepa also clarified that Professor Amupitan was not part of President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2033 election petition tribunal, addressing any potential concerns about his impartiality. The appointment has been seen as a significant development in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, with many stakeholders looking to the new INEC chair to ensure the credibility and transparency of future elections.

As Professor Amupitan assumes his new role, he will be expected to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor and work towards enhancing the electoral process in Nigeria. The appointment is considered a crucial step towards consolidating democracy in the country, and many will be watching to see how Professor Amupitan navigates the challenges ahead. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Professor Amupitan is well-placed to make a positive impact on Nigeria’s electoral system.