The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opens a fresh chapter for Nigeria’s democracy.
Development Diaries reports that Amupitan was appointed by President Bola Tinubu after the National Council of State unanimously endorsed him during its meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu explained that his choice of Amupitan was based on his apolitical stance, integrity and, impeccable record of service.
Amupitan’s appointment has already sparked conversations about whether he can stay independent and truly serve Nigerians, not political interests.
After the controversies that trailed the 2023 elections, public trust in the electoral system is at an all-time low.
Coming after Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s decade-long tenure marked by mixed reviews, ranging from improved voter registration processes to widespread criticism over the 2023 elections, Amupitan steps into a system that urgently needs rebuilding.
Nigeria’s voter turnout in the 2023 general elections dropped to 26.72 percent voter turnout, the lowest since the return to democracy in 1999, according to data from Dataphyte.
This statistic reflects deep voter apathy and distrust in the electoral process.
Furthermore, allegations of manipulation, logistical failures, and inconsistent use of technology, especially the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) systems, further eroded public confidence.
Restoring trust will require transparency, timely communication, and consistency in policy implementation.
YIAGA Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, has made it clear that Amupitan’s appointment is both a big opportunity and a serious test, as he inherits an electoral body that many Nigerians no longer trust, and it is his job to fix that.
The incoming chairman must also focus on internal restructuring because the credibility of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and the quality of INEC staff across states will largely determine how fair and efficient future elections are.
Strengthening training, enforcing accountability, and improving technological transparency, particularly around BVAS uploads and result collation, will be vital steps toward rebuilding trust.
Also, consistency in applying INEC’s own guidelines, which many observers found lacking in 2023, will equally help restore confidence.
Nigerians deserve to know that their votes are protected and that the process is not being manipulated. INEC also needs to communicate more openly and regularly with the public so people don’t feel left in the dark when critical decisions are made. Rebuilding trust starts with honesty and openness.
Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle defined by controversy and disillusionment.
On his confirmation by the Senate, Professor Amupitan must act quickly and boldly, prioritising transparency, early reforms, and citizen engagement.
The commission must, therefore, undergo internal reform to strengthen professionalism, reduce political interference, and ensure merit-based appointments.
Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle defined by excuses and controversy. The new INEC chairman must seize this moment to turn scepticism into faith, and deliver an institution Nigerians can finally trust.
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