‘You Have Opportunity To Write Your Name In Gold’ – ADC Tells New INEC Chair, Amupitan

Sunnex Egbu

11 hours ago

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted cautiously to the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging him to prioritise the Nigerian people over political interests.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it was “willing to give him the benefit of doubt” based on his academic and professional track record.

Still, it warned that the task before him was enormous and history would judge his performance.

The ADC said Nigerians expect Professor Amupitan to bring credibility, courage, and fairness to the electoral process, describing his appointment as a defining moment for both the commission and the country’s democracy.

“We expect the new INEC Chairman to have a personal ambition to do better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in Nigerian elections,” Abdullahi stated.

He noted that the new INEC boss must understand that his loyalty lies with the citizens, not the government, and should be guided by a sense of duty to the nation’s democratic ideals.

“He must understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government,” he added.

While pledging to assess him by his actions, the ADC reminded Professor Amupitan that his tenure would likely extend beyond one electoral cycle, urging him to look beyond the interest of those who appointed him.

“He now has the opportunity to make a good name for himself that his children would be proud of, or to soil his record and end up with ignominy,” Abdullahi warned.

The statement further stressed that Amupitan’s legacy would be determined by how well he strengthens public trust in the electoral umpire, particularly after recent criticisms of election conduct and management.

“He should bear in mind also that his tenure will ordinarily last beyond one electoral cycle. He should therefore look beyond the interest of those who have appointed him,” the ADC spokesperson added.