After a decade of eventful stewardship under Professor Mahmood Yakubu at the helm of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new chairman to guide the electoral body through the next critical phase of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan now assumes the responsibility of steering the affairs of the commission for the next five years, inheriting both the achievements and unfinished business of his predecessor.
Professor Yakubu’s tenure, which spanned two terms beginning with his initial appointment in November 2015 and his reappointment in 2020, was marked by significant challenges and notable accomplishments. During his leadership, he presided over two presidential elections in 2019 and 2023, numerous governorship contests, and countless off-season elections across the federation. His background as a distinguished scholar, combined with his demonstrated capacity and intellectual brilliance, earned him respect within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. Under his watch, the commission embraced electoral reforms and technological innovations as cornerstones of its modernisation agenda, introducing transformative tools such as the INEC Result Viewing Portal and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System during the last general elections.
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Despite inevitable hitches, operational challenges, and criticisms from various quarters, the electoral body under Professor Yakubu managed to deliver elections that were comparatively less rancorous and significantly more peaceful than those of Nigeria’s inglorious past. While perfection remained elusive, the progress made in reducing electoral violence and improving transparency represented meaningful steps forward in the nation’s democratic journey. This foundation now provides the platform upon which Professor Amupitan must build.
The incoming chairman brings impressive credentials to his new role as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Professor Amupitan obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Jos in 1987 and subsequently joined the institution as an assistant lecturer in 1989. His academic progression continued with a Master of Laws in 1993 and culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy in Law in 2007. Over the course of his distinguished academic career, spanning several decades of teaching, scholarship, and research, he has contributed more than 50 academic works to the body of legal knowledge, including journal articles, book chapters, monographs, and case reviews. This wealth of intellectual experience positions him uniquely to understand the complex legal and constitutional dimensions of electoral administration.
As Professor Amupitan settles into his new responsibilities, the expectations are understandably high. He must not only consolidate the modest achievements and institutional gains of the past but also introduce his own vision and reforms to continuously elevate the commission’s conduct of elections. Institutional integrity must remain at the core of his mandate, serving as the foundation for public trust and confidence in the electoral process. The Nigerian people deserve an electoral body that operates with transparency, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
Among the critical reforms demanding immediate attention is the establishment of an electoral tribunal, a subject that has generated considerable discussion over the years without concrete implementation. Professor Amupitan has the opportunity to transform this long-standing aspiration into reality. Additionally, he must embrace a collaborative leadership style, working effectively with commissioners, staff, and stakeholders while prioritising the welfare of INEC personnel whose dedication and morale directly impact electoral outcomes.
The primary objective, however, must remain the delivery of transparent, free, and credible elections. Nigeria’s elections have historically been plagued by controversy and litigation, with outcomes frequently contested in courts. The notable exception was the 2015 presidential election when former President Goodluck Jonathan graciously accepted defeat and congratulated his successor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari. That singular act of democratic maturity demonstrated that hitch-free elections can eliminate unnecessary disputes and guarantee acceptance of the electorate’s choices.
Electronic voting represents another frontier that demands Professor Amupitan’s urgent attention. The commission must develop and present a comprehensive, watertight proposal to lawmakers, providing the legal framework necessary for implementing electronic voting mechanisms. Numerous smaller nations with fewer technological advantages have successfully adopted this approach, proving its feasibility. Electronic voting offers enhanced integrity, reduces logistical complexities, and minimises opportunities for electoral manipulation.
Equally compelling is the case for diaspora voting. Nigerian citizens abroad contribute substantially to national development through remittances that significantly bolster the economy. If diaspora funds benefit the nation, their voting participation would undoubtedly enrich the democratic process, bringing diverse perspectives and strengthening the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
Finally, Professor Amupitan must address the exorbitant costs associated with conducting elections. The logistical demands of transportation and human resources create enormous financial burdens, with staggered elections multiplying these expenses unnecessarily. Exploring the possibility of consolidating elections into a single voting day could substantially reduce expenditure, allowing the commission to optimise limited resources in an era of constrained revenue streams.
As this new chapter unfolds, Professor Amupitan carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians who yearn for an electoral system worthy of their trust and capable of advancing the nation’s democratic aspirations.