A coalition of pro-democracy and election monitoring organisations has welcomed the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while urging the Senate to conduct a transparent and inclusive screening process.
The coalition’s position followed the council of state’s unanimous endorsement of Amupitan’s nomination on Thursday, which came after the exit of Mahmood Yakubu as INEC boss.
In a statement released on Friday, October 10, the groups said the Senate must still carry out its constitutional duty by ensuring the confirmation process is credible and open to public scrutiny.
The statement was endorsed by Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Center, The Kukah Centre, Center for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign.
“We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive and citizens-centred appointment process consistent with key electoral reform recommendations,” the statement read, referring to the Mohammed Uwais report, the Ken Nnamani committee report, and the citizens’ memorandum on electoral reforms.
The coalition said it had no objection to Amupitan’s nomination, acknowledging his “academic and professional accomplishments,” but stressed that the credibility of future elections depends on an INEC leadership that is free from political influence.
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“However, the current state of Nigeria’s electoral process requires a fiercely independent INEC, immune to political manipulation, and unwavering in its commitment to credible elections,” the statement continued.
“Consequently, as the next INEC Chairman, if confirmed by the senate, he must demonstrate moral courage, and resistance to political interference. INEC works better when it is insulated from political interference,” it added.
The groups called for the confirmation hearings to be broadcast live and opened to citizen participation through memoranda and petitions.
They also urged senators to thoroughly examine Amupitan’s record, his plans for electoral reform, and his ability to strengthen the commission’s independence.
The coalition further demanded clarity on how the nominee intends to handle persistent challenges such as voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of electoral regulations.
“Nigerians expect the senate confirmation process to be open to citizens’ participation, including full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials and public service history,” it added.