The Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre (HEDA) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, have called on the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the conduct of Nigeria’s future elections.
In separate statements obtained by Hobnob News on Sunday, both HEDA and Oyintiloye urged Amupitan to rebuild public trust in the nation’s electoral system, which they said has been marred by credibility challenges in recent years.
HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described Amupitan’s appointment as coming at a “defining moment” when Nigerians are yearning for genuine electoral reforms and accountability in governance.
“The responsibility before the new INEC Chairman goes beyond routine administration,” Suraju said. “It involves rebuilding confidence, reinforcing institutional independence, and ensuring that every vote truly counts.”
While acknowledging the progress made under former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, HEDA noted that his tenure was also characterized by lapses that weakened public confidence in the commission.
“The expectations of Nigerians are very high,” Suraju added. “Prof. Amupitan must swiftly address weaknesses observed in previous elections — especially issues around result transmission, logistics, and voter suppression.”
The group also identified the upcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election as a crucial test of Amupitan’s leadership and INEC’s readiness to deliver credible polls.
Similarly, APC chieftain Oyintiloye urged the new INEC boss to uphold impartiality and courage in the face of political pressures, stressing that Nigerians would be watching his every move.
“All eyes are on the new INEC chairman,” Oyintiloye said. “He must stay focused, resist intimidation, and ensure that the commission remains independent. The credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on it.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a “strategic and thoughtful” appointment, expressing confidence in Amupitan’s capacity to restore faith in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Oyintiloye further noted that the upcoming governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States would serve as key litmus tests for the new INEC leadership’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
Meanwhile, reactions have trailed Amupitan’s appointment, with some opposition figures questioning INEC’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite differing views, stakeholders from both civil society and political circles agree that the task now rests on Prof. Amupitan to demonstrate true independence and deliver credible, technology-driven elections that reflect the will of the people.
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