The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has reaffirmed his commitment to collaborate closely with the National Assembly in ensuring a credible, transparent, and fair electoral process across Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by INEC on Monday, Prof. Amupitan made this pledge while speaking at the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), held at the Federal University of Lokoja, where he was also honoured for his dedication and contributions to national service.
Addressing participants at the conference, the INEC Chairman said the Commission would maintain an open and proactive engagement with lawmakers as efforts continue to review the Electoral Act. He stressed that the proposed reforms must integrate lessons learned from past elections and build stronger public confidence in the system.
“I will start waiting to participate in the National Assembly to be sure that we have a learning electoral process and laws that you and I and Nigerians should be proud of,” Amupitan said.
Highlighting the importance of legal structures in election management, he described law as the foundation of social progress and institutional integrity. “Law is not merely a set of rules but a foundation upon which societies build their progress,” he noted.
The INEC boss further explained that one of the key objectives of the ongoing electoral reform is to minimize litigations by promoting transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the entire process. “Let us not see electoral petitions in court,” he urged, emphasizing the need for elections that genuinely reflect the people’s will.
During the event, Prof. Amupitan was presented with a plaque by the Federal University of Lokoja in recognition of his “dedication, hard work, and inspiration to many.” He used the moment to encourage academics to continue supporting democratic growth through research, advocacy, and civic education.
Amupitan was sworn in as INEC Chairman by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23, a week after the Senate confirmed his nomination following a screening session on October 16. He succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
What You Should Know
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, Nigeria’s new INEC Chairman, has pledged to collaborate with the National Assembly in reforming the Electoral Act to ensure a more credible and transparent electoral process.
Sworn in by President Tinubu in October 2025, Amupitan emphasized reducing electoral litigations and building public trust through fairness and effective legal frameworks.
