New INEC Chairman Faces Historic Challenge
The appointment of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has generated widespread approval across political circles. The 58-year-old legal expert brings impressive credentials to one of the country's most demanding positions.
A Man of Proven Character and Expertise
Prof. Amupitan comes to the role with substantial academic and professional qualifications. As a Professor of Law specializing in Corporate Governance, Law of Evidence, and Privatisation Law, and having been conferred with the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title in 2014, he possesses the legal depth required for the position.
Those who have known him throughout his career testify to his strong character. Dr Ayo Olowonihi, a retired EFCC director, and Eniola Bello, Managing Director of Thisday newspaper, both attest to the professor's integrity and leadership capabilities. Former Law School classmate Prof. Chidi Odinkalu describes him as "a person of decency and integrity," while President Bola Tinubu emphasized that the appointment reflects "capacity and confidence" in Amupitan's abilities.
Early Test in Anambra State
Less than a month into his tenure, INEC successfully conducted elections in Anambra State that received positive feedback from multiple stakeholders. Residents, independent observers, and the President all acknowledged the peaceful nature of the contest.
The Electoral Hub, a civil society organization, praised INEC for demonstrating "relative professionalism and transparency" throughout the electoral processes. Similarly, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) described the election as 'largely peaceful' and credited INEC officials and security personnel for contributing to the calm atmosphere.
However, the election wasn't without challenges. Observers noted significant issues including vote-buying and voter apathy, with only 21.4% of the 2,788,864 registered voters participating. While much of the groundwork for this election was laid before Amupitan's appointment, he deserves some credit for maintaining the commission's performance standards.
The Road Ahead: Bigger Challenges Await
The real test for the new INEC chairman will come during the June and August 2026 elections in Ekiti and Osun states. Many consider the INEC chairman's role as the second most challenging position in Nigeria after the presidency, given the country's complex political landscape.
Success requires more than just personal integrity. Prof. Amupitan must navigate a system involving multiple stakeholders with varying interests. As Prof. Odinkalu pointed out, the new INEC boss must confront three 'principalities', including politicians' agents within the commission who may prioritize personal gain over national interest.
Despite existing challenges, Nigeria's legal framework provides sufficient provisions for credible elections. The 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 contain 150 sections of regulations and guidelines that, if properly implemented, can meet global best practices. The recent Anambra election demonstrated that politics can be conducted without bitterness when participants respect the rules and prioritize public interest.
Notably, APGA candidate and sitting Governor Charles Soludo thanked President Tinubu for ensuring a free and fair election, despite the president's own APC candidate losing the contest. This sets a positive precedent for Prof. Amupitan's leadership as he works to strengthen Nigeria's electoral integrity.
