The Nigerian Presidency has emphasized that the incoming Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, must demonstrate courage, independence and transparency to restore public trust in the electoral body. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said Amupitan’s appointment marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s democracy, reflecting a rare consensus across political and civic lines.
Dare highlighted Amupitan’s background in academia, corporate governance and public service as assets that position him to steer the Commission through its most critical test: restoring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process. He noted that the integrity of elections—fundamental to any democracy—rests on the shoulders of the electoral umpire, in this case the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Achieving genuine, people‑driven elections will require not only administrative efficiency but also moral courage and a firm commitment to fairness.
To this end, Dare suggested that INEC should invest in digital voter education and civic‑awareness campaigns to rekindle young people’s belief in elections as instruments of real change. The choice of Amupitan by President Tinubu demonstrates a resolve to strengthen democratic institutions and restore credibility to electoral governance. The National Council of State unanimously endorsed Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ended recently. President Tinubu emphasized that his selection was based on Amupitan’s apolitical stance, integrity and impeccable record of service.
As Amupitan prepares to take the helm, he is expected to seize the moment and lead by example, fostering an environment of transparency and accountability within the Commission. The success of his tenure will depend on his ability to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s electoral landscape, build trust among stakeholders and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. With the country’s democratic institutions under scrutiny, the new INEC chairman’s leadership will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
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