Civil Society Group Congratulates Prof. Amupitan on Appointment as INEC Chairman, Urges Him to Raise the Bar

 

A civil society and election observer organization, the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM), has congratulated Professor Joash Amupitan on his confirmation by the Senate and assumption of office as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, the group described Prof. Amupitan as a “distinguished lawyer and technocrat” whose appointment by President Bola Tinubu reflects a “painstaking and diligent choice of a round peg in a round hole.”

“We are delighted by the confirmation of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman. His appointment is a testimonial of President Tinubu’s resolve and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible, free, fair, and transparent elections,” CPPM stated.

Expressing confidence in Amupitan’s competence, the group said it has no doubt in his capacity to deliver on INEC’s constitutional mandate and surpass the achievements of his predecessors, particularly former chairmen, Prof. Attahiru Jega and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The organization urged the new INEC boss to emulate the neutrality, professionalism, and resilience of his predecessors, who remained focused despite criticisms and attacks from anti-democratic elements.

“Prof. Amupitan must ensure that the Commission remains impartial, professional, and guided by the law at all times,” the statement read. “He should quickly familiarize himself with the workings of the Commission and maintain an open-door policy of engagement with stakeholders, just as his predecessors did.”

Meanwhile, CPPM used the opportunity to reject a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act that seeks to make it INEC’s responsibility to provide proof of alleged electoral malpractice. The group described the proposal as “illogical, irrational, and an assault on human sensibility.”

“How can INEC, which is empowered by law to conduct elections, be the one to provide evidence for alleged malpractice identified by a candidate or party? The onus of proof should rightly remain with whoever makes the allegation,” CPPM argued.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic development, the group pledged to continue working with patriotic and responsible partners to deepen Nigeria’s democracy through dialogue, consultation, and research, while resisting attempts to derail national progress through misinformation or emotional manipulation.

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