Abuja — Newly confirmed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, pledged on Monday to deliver elections “so credible that even the loser will be able to congratulate the winner,” outlining early priorities that include a forensic audit of election technology, a tougher ethics regime for staff, and closer coordination with key data and telecom agencies.
Amupitan spoke before—and after—the Senate confirmed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu. Lawmakers grilled the University of Jos law professor for roughly three hours on result transmission, logistics, internal accountability, and the 2023 election glitches.
“Our ultimate goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will congratulate the winner in good faith, just as a judge delivers judgment accepted as fair and just,” he told senators, adding that INEC would work closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and private service providers to harden systems and improve reliability.
Seeking to rebuild public trust after 2023, Amupitan said he would order an audit of the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal and logistics operations. He noted that the Supreme Court has clarified IReV is not an electronic collation platform—context he said was not effectively communicated ahead of the last polls. “We will assess the infrastructure on ground, review the technology, and adopt the best approach that enhances transparency and credibility,” he said.
On integrity, he announced plans for an internal Ethics and Compliance Committee, a whistle-blower policy, and closer pursuit of electoral-offence cases, citing past prosecutions in Bayelsa and Adamawa. “Those who will work with me must recognise that they are holding the trust of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Amupitan, who denied serving on any legal team for the APC, PDP or Labour Party at the 2023 election tribunals, also flagged security and logistics as “major challenges” in a vast and diverse country. He said INEC would deepen collaboration with the Joint Committee on Election Security and explore targeted technology—“including, if necessary, drones”—to ensure materials, personnel and voters are protected and reached in high-risk or remote areas.
He promised strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act and prudent use of funds: “INEC funds will be used only for the purposes for which they are appropriated.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announcing the resounding voice vote that sealed the confirmation, urged the new chair to ensure “every vote counts.” Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who stepped down on October 7 after a decade at the helm.
Separately, Senate consideration of a sweeping Electoral Act (2025) bill—framed as a repeal-and-re-enactment to fix gaps revealed in 2023—was stood down after debate. Among other changes, a draft clause would move the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026. Akpabio directed the sponsor, Senator Simon Lalong, to more clearly spell out the “nitty-gritty” of the proposed amendments before second reading proceeds.
