Joash Amupitan’s pledge to safeguard the integrity of elections and rebuild public confidence is a positive start, but expectations must be measured against the realities of past experiences.
Development Diaries reports that the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Amupitan, after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu, pledged to deliver free, fair and credible elections that will reflect the true will of Nigerians.
His appointment comes at a time when public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process is at its lowest.
Hence, while his vow to uphold the integrity of elections and restore voter confidence is commendable, it is also a tall order given the credibility challenges that have trailed previous polls.
From logistical failures to allegations of bias and manipulation, Nigerians have grown sceptical about whether their votes truly count.
Amupitan’s task is, therefore, not just administrative, it is about rebuilding the moral and institutional foundation of INEC.
One key issue he must address immediately is voter apathy.
In his words, ‘Let us restore the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count so that we can address this issue of voter apathy in our nation.
‘The integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate’.
Many citizens no longer see elections as a genuine means of change, largely because of past irregularities and the perception that outcomes are predetermined.
For Amupitan’s promise of credible elections to carry weight, INEC must show through transparent processes and timely communication that it is independent, competent, and responsive.
His emphasis on teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration within INEC is a step in the right direction, but those values must translate into practical reforms that can be seen and felt by voters.
Another major concern is the integrity of the upcoming Anambra governorship election. Amupitan has identified it as a test of his leadership, and rightly so.
That election will serve as the first real opportunity to prove that his words are not mere rhetoric. Nigerians will be watching to see if the commission can conduct a poll free from technical glitches, intimidation, and vote-buying.
Delivering a transparent process in Anambra will go a long way in shaping how citizens perceive INEC’s direction under his leadership.
As Amupitan settles into his role, he must remember that citizens are not asking for perfection but for fairness and honesty. The nation is watching closely. This is his moment to make INEC truly independent and credible again.
Citizens must now go beyond passive observation and demand accountability at every stage of the electoral process. Nigerians should insist on transparency in INEC’s operations, fair conduct during elections, and the publication of timely, verifiable results.
