Professor Amupitan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Nigerian Senate against rubber-stamping President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of INEC Chairman, warning that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is at stake.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called for a thorough and non-partisan screening of the nominee, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), whose name was recently endorsed by the National Council of State to succeed outgoing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
“This is not a mere appointment. It’s a defining moment for our democracy,” Ologunagba said.
“The Senate must rise to its constitutional duty and ensure this is not a rubber-stamp process.”
While acknowledging the president’s constitutional right to nominate a candidate, the PDP emphasized the Senate’s role as a democratic safeguard.
“The Senate is the last line of defense for democracy,” Ologunagba said.
“They must put the nation above party interests and confirm only candidates who can rebuild public confidence in the electoral system.”
He noted that INEC’s credibility had been severely questioned in recent elections and insisted that only a truly independent electoral body can restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.
Ologunagba also dismissed recent defections from the PDP as “politically induced” and “tactless distractions” orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He accused the APC of using intimidation and financial incentives to lure opposition lawmakers, claiming these efforts are part of a broader plan to undermine the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“These defections are not based on ideology or principle, they are bought and paid for,” he said. “But they won’t stop Nigerians from demanding better.”
According to the PDP spokesperson, the real issues that will shape 2027 are not political defections but the rising insecurity, economic hardship, and poor governance under the APC-led federal government.
“Nigerians are not decamping from hunger. They are enduring hardship and are ready for change,” Ologunagba said.
“When the time comes, they’ll vote for a party that has a track record of delivery, and that party is the PDP.”
He further claimed the APC is increasingly uneasy about the PDP’s internal unity and its preparations for its upcoming National Convention, calling the ruling party’s tactics “desperate and outdated.”
Ologunagba concluded by urging the Senate to set a precedent for electoral accountability by properly vetting the INEC nominee.
“This is about institutions, not individuals. If we get INEC right, we give Nigerians hope. If we get it wrong, we deepen distrust and jeopardise 2027.”
