The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), to prioritize his allegiance to the Nigerian people over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing the need to rebuild public trust in the country’s electoral process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party would extend the benefit of the doubt to the new INEC boss while hoping he demonstrates integrity and fairness in his duties.
“We are cautious but hopeful,” Abdullahi said. “The new INEC Chairman must have a personal ambition to perform better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the international community in our electoral system.”
He urged Amupitan to understand that his loyalty lies with the electorate and not with the government, adding that his tenure provides him the chance to either build a lasting legacy or tarnish his record.
“He should bear in mind that his tenure will likely extend beyond a single election cycle. Therefore, he must look beyond the interests of those who appointed him and focus on strengthening democracy,” Abdullahi added.
Professor Amupitan’s appointment was unanimously endorsed on Thursday by the National Council of State following President Bola Tinubu’s nomination during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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According to Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed the development via X, Amupitan’s nomination follows the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure as INEC chairman.
Amupitan, a 58-year-old law professor from Kogi State, makes history as the first person from Nigeria’s North-Central region to head the electoral body.
The ADC’s statement comes amid renewed calls for electoral reform and greater transparency in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.