Amupitan will need courage to restore INEC’s credibility — Presidency

The Presidency has said the incoming Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, must show courage, independence, and transparency to rebuild public confidence in the electoral body, which it admitted had “wavered” in recent years.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Mr Sunday Dare, stated this on Friday in a statement titled ‘INEC Chairman: Making a Difference — A Choice Unanimous.’

In the statement released via his official X handle, Dare, said Amupitan’s appointment marked a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, as it reflected a rare consensus across political and civic lines.

“In every democracy, the integrity of elections rests squarely on the shoulders of its electoral umpire,” Dare said.

“For Nigeria, few institutions command as much scrutiny, expectation, and influence as the Independent National Electoral Commission. To safeguard democracy, the nation must always be led in this sphere by a man or woman whose character commands trust, whose judgment inspires confidence, and whose conduct restores faith in the sanctity of the ballot,” the statement reads.

He commended the President for “maintaining regional equity” by retaining the INEC chairmanship in the North this time, the North-Central zone, and for resisting political pressure to make the position a reward for partisanship.

“President Tinubu deserves commendation for maintaining regional balance by retaining the chairmanship of INEC in the Northern region, this time the North-Central,” Dare stated.

“It bears repeating that no one from the South-West, where the President comes from, has ever occupied this crucial office. By choosing Professor Amupitan, the President reinforces his commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and national unity.”

Dare further stated, “Nigeria’s electoral process, though improved in parts, remains burdened by lapses and mistrust. Technology must work seamlessly; electoral staff must be above reproach; and every vote must truly count. Public confidence in INEC has wavered in recent years.

“Reversing that perception will require courage, independence, and transparency. Prof. Amupitan must now lead an INEC that earns trust not through rhetoric, but through conduct and results.”