The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, has urged the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Jacob Amupitan, to uphold the constitution, resist political interference, and prioritise restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Dantalle said IPAC welcomed the nomination of Professor Amupitan by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a “well-deserved appointment,” given the nominee’s strong legal background.
“Professor Amupitan, going by his profile, is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Electioneering in Nigeria is fraught with litigation and countercourt orders. Having a man well-grounded in law will go a long way in sanitising the process,” Dantalle said.
He, however, stressed that the new INEC Chairman must build on the technological and institutional reforms introduced by his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and deepen engagement with political stakeholders.
“The previous administration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu laid a solid foundation, especially in technological innovation, which must be consolidated. But this requires wide consultation with all stakeholders — political parties, civil society organisations, and the National Assembly — to create a better political atmosphere,” he noted.
On calls by civil society groups for a transparent and publicly broadcast confirmation process in the Senate, Dantalle expressed IPAC’s full support.
“Democracy is meant to be free, fair, and credible. So if you want credibility for the nominee, transparency in the confirmation process is essential. We are in full support of that,” he said.
Responding to claims that political parties themselves are the main problem undermining Nigeria’s democracy, Dantalle disagreed, arguing that only a few individuals within the system were responsible for corrupt practices.
“When you say political parties are Nigeria’s problem, I disagree. The problem is a few political elements who believe they must grab power by any means — legitimate or not. That’s where the challenge lies,” he explained.
He highlighted the withdrawal of government subventions as a major factor weakening internal party democracy, saying it left parties at the mercy of wealthy individuals and incumbents.
“In the past, political parties were partly funded by the government, which encouraged accountability and public ownership. When that funding was withdrawn, power shifted to individuals with deep pockets and those in government. INEC audits party finances, but the lack of proper funding has concentrated control in the hands of a few,” Dantalle said.
The IPAC chairman also criticised the conduct of elections by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), describing them as “mere coronations” of governors’ preferred candidates rather than credible contests.
“Elections conducted by state electoral commissions hardly meet minimum standards. They’re more of coordination of loyalty to state governors than true elections,” he stated.
Calling for sweeping reforms, Dantalle reiterated IPAC’s advocacy for an independent and transparent process for appointing INEC leadership.
“It is an aberration for players in the political game to appoint the referee. Our proposal is simple — throw the position of INEC Chairman and Commissioners open to Nigerians. After security screening, political parties and civil society groups should vote to select the best candidates,” he said.
Setting an agenda for Professor Amupitan, Dantalle said his first test would be the forthcoming Anambra governorship election on November 8.
“Nigerians are losing confidence in the system. What we need now is restoration and consolidation of that confidence. The INEC Chairman must ensure free, fair, and credible elections, prosecute electoral offenders — including INEC officials and security personnel — and work with the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws,” he said.
He concluded by urging the incoming INEC chairman to uphold his oath to the constitution without fear or favour.
“Politicians will always attempt to influence officials. But it is the ability of the man at the helm to stand firm and owe his loyalty absolutely to the constitution that matters. Nigeria must not make a mockery of democracy,” Dantalle declared.
Boluwatife Enome
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