After Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s second term as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expired on October 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new chairman. The National Council of State has already approved the nomination, and his name is expected to be sent to the Senate for screening.
Nigerians and political parties are setting an agenda for Amupitan, with a number of key issues and expectations for his tenure:
1. Electoral Reforms and Transparency:
- Implementing Electronic Transmission of Results: A major call is for the new INEC chairman to fully implement the electronic transmission of election results in real-time. This is seen as a crucial step to increase transparency and reduce opportunities for manipulation and rigging.
- Tackling Vote Buying and Electoral Offences: Nigerians want Amupitan to work with law enforcement agencies to effectively prosecute those who engage in vote buying, violence, and other electoral malpractices.
- Strengthening INEC’s Independence: A key expectation is that the new chairman will resist political pressure and ensure the commission operates as a truly independent and impartial body.
2. Technology and Innovation:
- Improving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS): While the BVAS technology has been lauded, there are calls for further improvements to prevent glitches and ensure a seamless accreditation process.
- Consolidating Voter Data: Stakeholders are urging the new leadership to work on a more secure and reliable voter registration system, potentially in collaboration with other agencies like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to prevent multiple registrations and ensure the integrity of the voter register.
3. Judicial Process and Post-Election Disputes:
- Reducing Tribunal Cases: Parties and the public are hopeful that with a more credible electoral process, the number of post-election litigations and tribunal cases will be significantly reduced, saving time and resources.
- Addressing Gaps in Electoral Law: Some observers are calling for Amupitan to actively advocate for legislative changes that will further strengthen the electoral process and close existing legal loopholes that can be exploited by politicians.
4. Inclusivity and Accessibility:
- Protecting Vulnerable Voters: There is an expectation that the new chairman will prioritize the safety and security of voters, particularly in volatile regions. There are also calls for better provisions for people with disabilities to ensure they can participate easily in the electoral process.
Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes at a crucial time, and his ability to address these issues will be a major test of his leadership and will shape the future of Nigeria’s democratic process.
