October 12, 2025-Published by Cyril
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has triggered sharp divisions within Nigeria’s opposition parties, rekindling debates over electoral integrity and long-delayed reform efforts.
The appointment, which received the endorsement of the National Council of State on Thursday, officially marks the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long tenure—a period marred by controversies and declining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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Introducing the nominee during the council meeting, President Tinubu described Amupitan, a respected law professor from Kogi State, as “an apolitical figure of impeccable integrity,” emphasizing that his selection was based on merit and character.
However, opposition voices have expressed mixed reactions, with some viewing the move as constitutionally valid but politically risky.
In an interview with Naija Blog Daily, Labour Party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, said there was little legal basis to challenge the President’s action.
- “As long as the Constitution has not been amended, the right to appoint remains with him. The onus is on civil society and reform advocates to push for change,” Akeni stated.
He warned that without structural reforms, Nigeria’s next general elections might not be free and fair, urging opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to take coordinated, peaceful action beyond social media activism.
Similarly, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, called for the full implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Report, which advocates a transparent and merit-based selection process for appointing INEC leadership.
- “That report clearly recommends that INEC vacancies should be advertised to ensure fairness and equity. Without this, future elections risk being compromised,” Tanko warned.
Meanwhile, Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), acknowledged the legality of Tinubu’s decision but emphasized that Amupitan’s credibility will be judged by his actions in office.
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- “We can’t fault the appointment under the current Constitution. But his integrity will be tested by how he conducts himself and the reforms he pursues,” Johnson said.
Amupitan’s nomination makes him the first person from Kogi State to lead the electoral commission. His immediate challenge will be rebuilding public trust in INEC and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement of his appointment was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirming that the National Council of State had given its unanimous approval during Thursday’s meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Amupitan’s confirmation by the Senate will officially usher in a new leadership era for the electoral body, as Nigerians await whether his tenure will deliver genuine reform or maintain the status quo.
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