Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) has vowed to conduct elections in Nigeria that are credible and transparent, assuring that even those who lose will have reasons to commend the winners.
The newly confirmed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman made the commitment on Thursday, October 16, during his screening and approval by the Senate, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
Lawmakers questioned him for over three hours on electoral reforms, neutrality, and the integrity of the voting process.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation after a unanimous voice vote, telling Amupitan, “He is hereby confirmed without any dissenting voice. Go and ensure that votes count.”
Speaking to senators, Amupitan emphasised that his leadership would prioritise transparency, accountability, and electoral credibility.
READ ALSO: Amupitan Pledges to Audit INEC , 2023 Election Logistic Challenges
“My vision is to ensure that elections in Nigeria are so transparent that even those who lose will congratulate the winners. That is the level of credibility we must achieve for national progress,” he said.
He also pledged to strengthen voter education, improve logistics management, and adopt technological solutions to safeguard electoral materials and prevent result manipulation.
Addressing concerns about political neutrality, Amupitan dismissed claims that he had served as legal counsel for the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal or at the Supreme Court.
“The law reports are public and verifiable. I was not part of any legal team representing any political party or candidate,” he clarified.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law, Amupitan has held multiple academic and administrative positions in the legal and educational sectors.
His confirmation signals a renewed expectation for impartial and credible elections under his leadership.