CUPP Urges New INEC Chairman to Pursue Electoral Reforms, Strengthen Credibility in Elections

By our Correspondent

The National Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Comrade Mark Adebayo, has called on the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to embark on comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at ensuring transparent, free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Comrade Adebayo—who also serves as the Convener of the New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO)—urged the INEC boss to operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act establishing the Commission.

“As a Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he must ensure that nothing is done outside the law. Nigerians have the constitutional right to belong to or form political parties of their choice, and INEC has a legal duty to register all qualified groups,” Adebayo stated.

He lamented that in the past decade, INEC had failed to register new political parties while over 74 were deregistered by the previous administration. He, therefore, urged Prof. Amupitan to reopen the political space and allow new parties to emerge.

“The new INEC Chairman must apply the principles of justice, equity, constitutionalism, and the rule of law in managing the affairs of the Commission,” he emphasized.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the previous INEC leadership, Adebayo advised Prof. Amupitan not to betray the trust placed in him by President Bola Tinubu. He urged him to correct the shortcomings of his predecessors and restore public confidence in the electoral process.

“I congratulate Prof. Amupitan on his appointment. He comes highly recommended, and we hope he will live up to his reputation as a seasoned professional. I wish him success as he pilots the affairs of INEC,” Adebayo said.

The CUPP spokesperson further stressed that transparency and credible elections remain vital to the growth of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

He also called on politicians and stakeholders to support the new INEC Chairman and avoid actions capable of undermining the nation’s democracy.

“Politicians must cooperate with INEC by shunning violence and vote-buying. INEC does not sponsor thugs or engage in electoral malpractice; politicians are responsible for these acts. They must stop such practices to build a better and more democratic Nigeria,” he noted.

Adebayo further urged INEC to strengthen the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, particularly in riverine and remote areas, to prevent the disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

“We know that in some riverine areas and parts of Gombe and Zamfara States, many eligible voters still cannot register. We are calling on the new INEC Chairman to ensure that these citizens are not left out and can obtain their PVCs to participate in elections,” he added.