ADC reacts to Tinubu’s nomination of Amupitan as INEC chairman

THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has responded to the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing cautious optimism about his appointment.

In a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, shortly after President Bola Tinubu announced the nomination, the party said it would give the new INEC chief “the benefit of the doubt” while urging him to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

“We are cautious but hopeful,” the statement read. “We expect the new INEC Chairman to demonstrate integrity and personal ambition to restore the confidence of Nigerians and the international community in our elections. His loyalty must be to the Nigerian people, not the government.”

The ADC further urged Amupitan to focus on building a legacy of credibility and independence.

“He has the opportunity to make a name his children will be proud of or risk tarnishing his reputation. His tenure will likely span beyond one electoral cycle, so he must rise above political interests,” the statement added.

The reaction came shortly after the National Council of State approved Amupitan’s nomination, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit after serving as INEC chairman since 2015.

According to the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Amupitan’s nomination was presented to the council by President Tinubu, who described him as “apolitical and a man of integrity.” Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State also endorsed the nomination.

Amupitan, 58, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A Professor of Law at the University of Jos, he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

An alumnus of the University of Jos, he specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and has had a long academic and professional career spanning over three decades.

His nomination will now be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, in line with constitutional provisions.