New INEC chairman must not disappoint Nigerians

The recent confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has once again brought Nigeria to a familiar crossroads; one defined by cautious optimism, skepticism, and the perennial yearning for credible elections. In a country where the integrity of the ballot often determines the trajectory of […]

The recent confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has once again brought Nigeria to a familiar crossroads; one defined by cautious optimism, skepticism, and the perennial yearning for credible elections. In a country where the integrity of the ballot often determines the trajectory of democracy, the expectations on the new electoral umpire are immense. Professor Amupitan must realise that he is stepping into a position that carries both the weight of national trust and the scars of public disappointment.

Since 1999, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been marked by moments of promise and peril. Each electoral cycle brings with it a mix of hope and frustration. From the heavily disputed elections of the early 2000s to the relative improvements witnessed in 2011 and 2015, Nigerians have remained firm in their demand for a process that truly reflects their will. However, the 2023 general elections, though technologically ambitious with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV portal, exposed deep operational and institutional flaws. Many Nigerians still feel that INEC failed to meet their expectations of transparency and fairness.

Professor Amupitan inherits this burden of disillusionment. His appointment comes at a critical juncture when citizens’ confidence in electoral institutions is waning. The credibility deficit that followed the last election must be urgently addressed if Nigeria is to avoid further voter apathy and civic disengagement. It is not enough for the new chairman to make lofty promises; he must demonstrate, through concrete actions, that he understands the magnitude of his responsibility.

The foremost task before him is to rebuild trust. Trust, once broken, is not easily restored. Nigerians must see in him a man committed to the sanctity of the ballot, not a servant of political interests. His background as an academic and legal scholar should serve as a guiding compass for impartiality and adherence to due process. The laws establishing INEC give it sufficient independence, but history has shown that leadership character is what determines whether that independence is exercised or surrendered to political pressure.

The new INEC chairman must also strengthen the institution’s operational capacity. The 2023 elections were plagued by logistical lapses—late arrival of materials, malfunctioning BVAS devices, and poor coordination in result transmission. These challenges were not merely technical; they reflected deeper managerial weaknesses. To correct them, INEC under Amupitan must embrace early planning, transparent procurement processes, and rigorous training of ad-hoc staff. The commission must also deepen collaboration with civil society groups and development partners to ensure electoral reforms are implemented effectively.

Equally important is the need to maintain neutrality in the conduct of off-cycle and by-elections. These smaller polls often serve as a litmus test for INEC’s preparedness. Unfortunately, they have frequently been marred by allegations of manipulation and voter intimidation. Professor Amupitan must prove that his commission can deliver credible by ensuring that Anambra election meet expectations. The performance of INEC in this contest will signal to Nigerians whether the commission has learned from its past mistakes.

Moreover, the new chairman should prioritise the completion of ongoing electoral reforms. The Electoral Act 2022 remains a strong foundation, but its implementation has been inconsistent. Issues such as internal party democracy, campaign financing, and digital transmission of results require clearer operational guidelines. Amupitan should work closely with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to refine these provisions and ensure that the law serves its intended purpose, which is to make elections freer, fairer, and more transparent.

Public communication will also be crucial. INEC must learn to communicate promptly, clearly, and honestly with Nigerians. During the 2023 elections, the commission’s credibility suffered greatly because of its silence and lack of transparency when challenges arose. Nigerians can forgive genuine technical glitches, but they will not tolerate secrecy or perceived manipulation. The new chairman should therefore build a culture of accountability within the commission, where information is shared openly and responsibility is taken when things go wrong.

Ultimately, Professor Amupitan must remember that history will judge him not by the titles he holds, but by the integrity of the elections conducted under his watch. The task ahead is daunting, but not impossible. In the end, Professor Amupitan must not disappoint Nigerians.

 

Okolobia, a public affairs analyst wrote from Utako, Abuja