Amupitan: CSOs Urges Senate To Ensure Due Diligence In Screening Process

BENIN – A coalition of civil society organizations working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa, has called on the Nigeria’s Senate to carry out a rigorous and transparent screening on the Chairman designate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).

The group gave the charge in a statement made available to journalists on Friday evening.

Members of the coalition include: Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Center, The Kukah Centre, Center for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab, Nigeria and YERP Naija Campaign.

The CSOs noted that in spite of the unanimous approval to his nomination by the Council of State, it does not replace the duty of the Nigerian Senate to conduct due diligence through rigorous and transparent screening process that inspires public trust.

According to the statement,
“We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive and citizens-centered appointment process that is consistent with the recommendations of key electoral reform interventions like the Justice Uwais Report, Ken Nnamani committee report, and the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reforms.

“We acknowledge Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional accomplishments; therefore, we have no objection in principle to his nomination. However, the current state of Nigeria’s electoral process requires a fiercely independent INEC, immune to political manipulation, and unwavering in its commitment to credible elections.

“Consequently, as the next INEC Chairman, if confirmed by the Senate, he must demonstrate moral courage, and resistance to political interference. INEC works better when it is insulated from political interference,” the statement said.

They therefore called on the Senate to ensure that its confirmation hearings are transparent, televised, and inclusive of citizen and civil society input through memoranda, petitions and participation in the confirmation hearings.

“The Senate should undertake a rigorous examination of his competence, public records, vision for electoral reform, INEC’s institutional strengthening, as well as his capacity to resist political interference and uphold electoral
integrity.

“The Senate should also interrogate the nominee’s plans to address systemic challenges, including voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC’s regulations and guidelines.

“Nigerians expect the Senate confirmation process to be open to citizens’ participation in line with the Framework for Citizens Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process previously submitted to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organizations.

This includes full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, public service history, and capacity to manage elections without political interference,” the statement added.