The Accord political party has called on the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, to discharge his duties without bias or favoritism. This appeal comes as Amupitan takes the reins of INEC, following his confirmation by the Council of State and National Assembly, and subsequent swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The party’s National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, noted that Amupitan’s appointment is well-deserved, given his extensive experience as a legal luminary, academic, and administrator. The Accord party emphasized the importance of Amupitan’s role in the country’s democratic process, particularly with the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

This election will be a significant test for the new INEC leadership, as citizens’ expectations are high for a free, fair, and transparent process. The party stressed the need for adequate preparation, including the readiness of electoral materials and equipment, to avoid logistical issues and ensure that votes count. As Amupitan’s first election at the helm of INEC, the commission’s performance will be closely watched.

The Accord party urged Amupitan to build on the innovations introduced by his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and improve upon them to deliver credible elections. By doing so, the party believes that trust in the electoral process can be rebuilt, and post-election litigations can be reduced.

The success of the Anambra State governorship election will have significant implications for future elections, including the 2026 Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections, and ultimately, the 2027 general election. As such, the Accord party emphasized the need for neutrality and a level playing field for all participating political parties and candidates. With the eyes of the nation on the commission, Amupitan’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the country’s democratic trajectory.