Professor Joash Amupitan, nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has vowed to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, promising to ensure elections are so credible that “losers will have no choice but to congratulate winners.”
Speaking on Thursday during his Senate screening, Amupitan laid out a reform-focused agenda centered on integrity, transparency, accountability, and the use of technology to strengthen election logistics and security.
“I’m taking this position on trust, and my people must appreciate that they hold their positions on trust as well,” he told lawmakers.
“We will set up an ethical committee to review complaints that have been ignored and pursue every case to conclusion.”
Key reforms include the establishment of an internal ethical committee, implementation of a whistleblower policy, enforcement of financial transparency, collaboration with the National Assembly on creating an Electoral Offences Commission, deployment of drones and improved logistics for difficult-to-access regions, enhanced voter and civic education as well as streamlining election timelines and clearer procedures.
Amupitan emphasized that fighting corruption within the commission would be a top priority, adding that ethical lapses must be addressed through internal accountability mechanisms.
“We’ll pursue complaints, introduce whistleblowing, and use forensic methods if necessary,” he stated.
“People have reported issues in the past, but nothing was done. That will change.”
On election security, he acknowledged ongoing challenges but promised new strategies to ensure no voter is disenfranchised, regardless of location.
“Even if we need to use drones, we will reach every part of Nigeria. No voter will be left behind.”
Amupitan also weighed in on the debate around real-time transmission of election results, stating that the Electoral Act needs clearer provisions.
“The Electoral Act is not yet conclusive on that issue. If confirmed, I will contribute my expertise to improve it,” he said.
He further pledged strict adherence to public procurement laws to prevent misuse of INEC funds, saying transparency would guide all financial activities.
“We will ensure funds are used for their intended purposes and saved where possible,” he said.
The law professor concluded by stressing that civic education would play a key role in deepening democratic culture in Nigeria.
“We’ll build capacity across all election stakeholders and engage in aggressive voter education to promote democratic values.”
