Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) has been congratulated on his appointment as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The felicitation came from the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema.
In the statement issued in Abuja and made available to Business Post on Thursday, the group said the appointment of the electoral chief offers another chance to rebuild public trust in the country’s electoral system.
CNPP charged Mr Amupitan to “remember that Nigerians are yearning for a credible electoral process that reflects the true will of the people, We urge him to ensure that he leaves the office of INEC Chairman with his integrity intact and his reputation untainted, by serving the nation with courage, fairness, and sincerity of purpose.:
The group stated that the Anambra State governorship election in November wouldbe his first test as INEC Chairman, noting that how he handles it will show if INEC is truly ready to regain the people’s confidence before the 2027 general election.
“The Anambra election will be the first major poll under Professor Amupitan’s leadership, It will provide him and the commission the chance to demonstrate a new commitment to credibility and efficiency in the management of elections. The entire nation will be watching to see if INEC can truly rise above political pressures and logistical failures that have undermined past elections,” the organisation noted.
“We urge Nigerians to remain eternally vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, and be ready to protect their votes in all elections beginning from the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election. Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone but by the collective resolve of citizens to demand accountability and transparency,” the coalition of political parties in the country said.
It called on civil society groups, the media, and the citizens to stay alert and take part in the electoral process.