The Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, have urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to uphold integrity, transparency, and fairness in the conduct of future elections.
Both HEDA and Oyintiloye, in separate statements on Sunday, tasked Amupitan with restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, which they said has suffered credibility crises in recent years.
HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described Amupitan’s appointment as coming at a defining moment when Nigerians are yearning for genuine electoral reforms and accountability in governance.
The group said the responsibility before the new INEC chairman “goes beyond routine administration,” stressing that it involves rebuilding confidence, reinforcing institutional independence, and ensuring that every ballot truly counts.
While acknowledging the milestones achieved under former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, HEDA noted that his tenure was equally marred by lapses that undermined public trust in the commission.
“The expectations of Nigerians are very high,” Suraju said. “The new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, must move swiftly to address weaknesses observed in past elections, particularly issues around result transmission, logistics, and voter suppression.”
He added that INEC’s core mandate remained to conduct free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the true will of the people, warning that “anything short of that will deepen the trust deficit in our democratic institutions.”
HEDA identified the forthcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election as the first major test of Amupitan’s leadership and readiness to deliver credible polls.
The organisation pledged continued partnership with INEC and other stakeholders to advance electoral reform, stressing the need for transparency, responsible use of technology, and stakeholder engagement in future elections.
Similarly, Oyintiloye advised the new INEC boss to discharge his duties without fear or favour, urging him to demonstrate courage and integrity in the face of political pressure.
In a statement obtained in Osogbo, the former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly urged Amupitan to apply the rules without bias and to resist attempts by politicians to compromise the commission’s independence.
“All eyes are on the new INEC boss,” Oyintiloye said. “He must stay focused and resist all forms of intimidation that could undermine the integrity of the commission. Those who lose elections will always seek to discredit the process for personal gain, but Amupitan must fear no one and abide strictly by laid-down rules and regulations.”
Commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, Oyintiloye described the choice as “a wise and strategic decision,” expressing confidence in the new chairman’s capacity to sanitise Nigeria’s electoral system.
He said the upcoming Anambra governorship election, as well as the 2026 gubernatorial polls in Ekiti and Osun, would serve as litmus tests of Amupitan’s leadership and the commission’s commitment to credible elections.
Oyintiloye’s remarks come amid divided opinions among opposition parties over Amupitan’s appointment, which some critics say could affect perceptions of INEC’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu had, on October 12, 2025, described Amupitan, a Kogi-born law professor, as “an apolitical figure of impeccable integrity,” saying his choice was based on his “record of service and character.”
However, opposition figures, including Labour Party’s interim spokesperson Tony Akeni and Obidient Movement coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen the appointment process of INEC leadership, citing the long-delayed implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Report.
Despite the differing views, both civil society and political stakeholders agree that the burden now rests on Amupitan to prove his independence through transparent, technology-driven, and credible election management.
