By Adewole Kehinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) marks the beginning of what could become the most defining era in the history of Nigeria’s electoral administration.
For too long, the credibility of elections in Nigeria has been questioned, often leaving citizens disillusioned about the very foundation of democracy. The 2023 general elections remain a painful memory in our national consciousness.
What was once heralded as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), quickly became mired in controversy.
Instead of ushering in transparency and public trust, the process was tainted by technical glitches, delayed result uploads, allegations of compromise, and perceived opacity in collation. These lapses did not just undermine INEC’s credibility—they deepened the growing cynicism about the possibility of free and fair elections in Nigeria.
During his screening before the Senate, Professor Amupitan demonstrated clarity of purpose and moral conviction. He did not mince words about his vision. He pledged to restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process through transparency, accountability, and technology-driven reforms.
He spoke passionately about strengthening INEC’s internal governance, retooling its operational efficiency, and ensuring that every election, from local government polls to the presidential ballot, reflects the true will of the people.
There is no doubt that Professor Amupitan is inheriting an electoral body struggling to reclaim legitimacy, rebuild public confidence, and modernise within a politically charged environment. I hope that he will immediately address the technical shortcomings and institutional weaknesses that have eroded voter trust.
The issues of delayed result transmission, inconsistent use of technology, and the perception of partisanship must be tackled head-on.
Equally urgent is the need to reform the post-election dispute process. Litigation has become the norm rather than the exception in Nigeria’s electoral cycle. This unhealthy trend reflects a broader distrust in the process itself.
Professor Amupitan must lead reforms that ensure results announced by INEC are credible enough to stand the test of scrutiny and not endlessly challenged in the courts.
President Tinubu has given Professor Amupitan a clear directive and a solemn warning: “You must strengthen democracy through credible elections that reflect the will of the people. The survival of this democracy rests largely on your integrity and the fairness of the process you lead.”
To meet this challenge, the new INEC Chairman must prioritise the following key areas:
- Restoring Trust Through Transparency: Rebuild the moral legitimacy of INEC by making its operations more open and accessible to citizens, civil society, and the media.
- Deepening Technology with Accountability: Strengthen BVAS and IReV systems with improved data integrity, cybersecurity safeguards, and real-time transparency.
- Professionalising INEC’s Workforce: Institute a culture of merit, neutrality, and discipline across the Commission’s hierarchy.
- Re-engaging the Voters: Drive renewed voter education and civic participation to restore faith in the ballot.
- Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with security agencies, anti-corruption bodies, and the judiciary to ensure elections are peaceful and credible.
- Legal and Institutional Reforms: Push for timely electoral law amendments that align with best practices and modern realities.
- Defining Opportunity: Use this historic appointment as an opportunity to set a new benchmark for electoral integrity in Africa.
President Tinubu has made a bold and strategic choice by appointing Professor Amupitan, a disciplined scholar, a distinguished legal mind, and a man of integrity. His reputation has earned him goodwill across political divides.
It is my earnest hope that he will build on this trust to deliver results that will make him remembered as the reformer who redefined Nigeria’s elections—not through rhetoric, but through performance.
If Professor Amupitan succeeds, he will not only restore faith in INEC but also help cement President Tinubu’s legacy as the leader who strengthened democracy through credible electoral leadership.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. @kennyadewole kennyadewole@gmail.com
