Our goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will congratulate the winner.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily- Newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has outlined plans to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s elections through stricter accountability, stronger technology, and wider civic enengagement.
Amupitan, who was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, said his first task would be restoring trust in the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to reinforce transparency in election results.
“There has been confusion over certain innovations introduced by INEC, such as the electronic collation system,” he said. “We will assess the infrastructure, review the technology, and adopt the best approach that enhances transparency and credibility in elections.”
He added that the Commission would prioritise logistics and technological investment to ensure that every eligible voter can participate, regardless of location.
“If necessary, we can deploy drones and other secure means to guarantee that election materials reach their destinations. No voter will be left behind. That will be our guiding principle,” he said.
“Our goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will congratulate the winner,” he said. “Integrity, accountability, security, and education will guide our work to ensure elections truly reflect the will of the people.”
The new INEC boss announced plans to establish an Ethics and Compliance Committee to audit staff conduct and strengthen internal discipline, alongside a whistleblower policy to encourage the reporting of electoral malpractice.
“Those who work with me must recognise that they are holding the trust of the Nigerian people,” he said. “We will follow through on all cases of misconduct to ensure accountability.”
Amupitan also urged legislative support for the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission to handle the investigation and prosecution of election-related crimes.
“The current system lacks sufficient capacity for that,” he said. “We will collaborate with the National Assembly to strengthen the legal framework.”
He assured lawmakers that the Commission would operate with fiscal responsibility, adding that funds would be managed strictly under the Public Procurement and Finance Acts.
“INEC funds will be used only for the purposes for which they are appropriated,” he said.
Lawmakers lauded his credentials during the screening. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Amupitan as “eminently qualified,” while Minority Leader Abba Moro urged him to translate his academic and legal experience into credible electoral outcomes.
Former Plateau Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, also testified to his integrity, recalling their time together at the University of Jos.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC Chairman since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.