By Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha
Civil society organisations (CSOs) working on democracy and elections have urged the Senate to ensure that the nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), demonstrates moral courage, integrity, and independence before his confirmation.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the coalition acknowledged Amupitan’s strong academic and professional background but stressed that Nigeria’s electoral process demands a resolute and impartial umpire capable of resisting political interference.
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“The new INEC leadership must show unwavering commitment to credible elections and institutional independence,” the groups stated, adding that the commission functions best when insulated from political manipulation.
The statement, endorsed by Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Centre, The Kukah Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign, followed Amupitan’s nomination by the Presidency after the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure.
While noting that the Council of State reportedly gave unanimous approval to the nomination, the CSOs reminded that such endorsement does not replace the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to conduct a thorough and transparent confirmation process.
“We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive, and citizens-centred appointment process consistent with the recommendations of key electoral reform reports, including the Justice Uwais Report, the Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reforms,” the statement added.
The coalition urged the Senate to make the confirmation hearings public and televised, with opportunities for citizens to submit memoranda, petitions, and other inputs.
It also called for a “rigorous examination” of Amupitan’s competence, public record, and vision for electoral reform, including his strategies to strengthen INEC’s independence and uphold electoral integrity.
According to the groups, Nigerians expect a transparent process marked by full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, past service record, and plans to ensure elections free from political influence.
They further urged the Senate to probe Amupitan’s approach to resolving persistent electoral challenges such as voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC guidelines.
“The credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends on the independence and integrity of its electoral umpire. Therefore, the Senate must ensure that the confirmation process inspires public trust,” the CSOs said.
