The Opposition Lawmakers’ Coalition has endorsed Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging him to be more effective, enhance electoral reforms, and prioritize national interest above politics.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP–Imo), the coalition commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating Amupitan, describing him as a man of “academic excellence, legal depth, and administrative experience.”
“From our part as opposition members of parliament, we welcome the appointment of Prof. Amupitan to be INEC Chairman because, having had his professional and academic background, he is well recommended,” Ugochinyere stated. “He has also taught, been a Pro-Chancellor, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He understands the hurdles of setting up election petitions, the gaps in the system, and now can proceed to rectify them. He cannot fail.”
The group urged Amupitan to employ his legal and administrative experience to initiate severe electoral reforms upon confirmation and swearing into office.
“We have no record of wrongdoing against him; if we had, we would have protested the nomination. Let’s judge him based on his professional record and see how he does,” the statement continued.
The coalition also stated that the coming Anambra and Osun polls will serve as an early measure of Amupitan’s leadership and commitment to hold credible elections.
“As long as he manages INEC within the bounds of the law and in the interest of Nigerians, we will stick with him,” the lawmakers declared.
