INEC Chair: Nigerians, Parties Set Agenda for Amupitan
On October 9, 2025, the National Council of State unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Former Chairman Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure ended after serving two terms (2015-2025). Professor Amupitan, from Kogi State, was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described as apolitical, and is set to be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
With this major transition underway, there is growing consensus among Nigerians and political parties that Amupitan has a sizeable agenda to tackle. Below are the key priorities that stakeholders expect him to address as he takes over the reins:
Key Challenges and Expectations
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Credible, Transparent Elections Ahead of 2027
With several important elections on the horizon — including governorship elections (2026) and the general elections in 2027 — there is pressure for INEC to improve trust in the electoral process. This includes better voter registration, prompt results transmission, reduced incidence of cancelled or inconclusive polls, and ensuring that all eligible voters are able to vote without intimidation.
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Strengthening Electoral Technologies & Systems
Innovations introduced under Mahmood Yakubu, such as the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IRev), have been praised, but they have also faced criticism over malfunctions, delays, or security issues. Amupitan is expected to consolidate and improve these systems.
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Impartiality and Independence
One of the recurring complaints in past elections is the perception of bias: either real or alleged. Parties and civil society want Amupitan to uphold INEC’s neutrality strictly. His character and background (academic, legal, described as “apolitical” in sources) are seen by many as promising in this respect.
Electoral Reforms & Legal Framework
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There are calls for reforms in electoral laws, including how parties are regulated, how disputes are adjudicated, and how electoral offences are penalized. This may involve working closely with the National Assembly to ensure INEC has the necessary legal backing to enforce its mandates effectively.
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Inclusivity & Accessibility
Ensuring marginalized groups—youth, people with disabilities, women—are able to participate fully in elections is part of the expected agenda. This includes making polling units, voter registration, and election materials more accessible. Additionally, ensuring that remote or rural areas are well served. (Though not all sources explicitly list this, it is widely referenced in public commentary on INEC expectations.)
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Voter Education & Trust Building
There is widespread concern about voter apathy, misinformation, and distrust in the electoral system. Amupitan is expected to intensify voter education programs, engage civil society, use media outreach, and ensure results are transparently communicated to the public.
Why These Priorities Matter Now
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The approval of a new INEC chair comes at a politically sensitive time. The outgoing chair, Yakubu, faced both praise and criticism; many believe he laid groundwork but also left gaps in implementation.
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Public confidence in elections is essential to avoid post-election violence, litigations, and disputes. A weak electoral system risks disenfranchisement and instability.
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Amupitan’s confirmation and performance will set the tone for how credible the 2027 electoral process will be perceived, both domestically and internationally.
What to Watch
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Senate screening: the questions senators will ask to assess Amupitan’s vision, independence, and readiness.
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Initial pronouncements by Amupitan on how he intends to address known problem areas (e.g. inconclusive polls, technology malfunctions).
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How political parties respond: do they collaborate or criticize? Will there be trust-building measures?
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Civil society metrics: how well does INEC perform under Amupitan compared with the outgoing chair when it comes to timeliness, accuracy, and fairness of electoral process?
👉 For updates on Amupitan’s confirmation process, civil society reactions, and in-depth analysis, read more on my blog: https://www.pipletvnews.com
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