Group Congratulates New INEC Chairman Amupitan, Urges Him to Restore Voter Confidence

By Our Correspondent

The Convener of the Integrity and Transparency Alliance (ITA), Isaiah Davies Ijele, has congratulated the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ijele underscored the urgent need for Professor Amupitan to uphold integrity and transparency in managing Nigeria’s electoral processes, noting that the absence of these values in the past had eroded public trust and led to widespread voter apathy.

“I congratulate Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan on his well-deserved appointment as INEC Chairman. At Integrity and Transparency Alliance (ITA), we urge him to pursue a new path defined by transparency, fairness, and accountability — principles that have been lacking in previous electoral cycles,” Ijele said.

He cautioned the new INEC chairman against repeating the errors of his predecessors, which attracted public criticism and legal controversies. “The mistakes of the past — controversies, opaque procedures, and disputed results — must not recur. Nigerians deserve elections that truly reflect democratic ideals. We urge Professor Amupitan to make credibility, inclusiveness, and technological innovation his top priorities,” he added.

Ijele also identified key areas requiring immediate attention, such as reforms in voter registration, strengthening electronic voting systems, and ensuring transparency in electoral dispute resolution. “Nigeria stands at a defining moment. INEC must lead with integrity by ensuring a clean voter register, secure voting processes, and verifiable results. The era of electoral mistrust must end,” he stressed.

Amupitan’s appointment comes amid growing calls for deep electoral reforms in the country. The Integrity and Transparency Alliance pledged to monitor INEC’s activities closely while offering constructive support where needed. “We are ready to partner with INEC to promote best practices in election management. By prioritising integrity, Professor Amupitan can usher in a new era in Nigeria’s electoral history — one that millions of citizens are yearning for,” Ijele concluded.