The Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) has congratulated Joash Amupitan on his confirmation and assumption of office as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while urging him to raise the standard of electoral integrity beyond the achievements of his predecessors.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, the civil society and election observer group described Amupitan’s appointment as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and transparent elections.
“We are delighted by the choice and confirmation of Prof. Joash Amupitan, a distinguished lawyer and technocrat, as INEC Chairman to oversee our democratic process for the next five years,” CPPM stated.
“This appointment is a testament to President Tinubu’s resolve to enhance our democracy through free, fair, and transparent elections.”
The organization expressed strong confidence in Amupitan’s competence and integrity, describing him as a “round peg in a round hole,” and challenged him to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, Attahiru Jega and Mahmood Yakubu, who it said “inscribed their names in gold” for their role in conducting credible polls between 2015 and 2023.
CPPM further urged the new INEC boss to emulate the neutrality, professionalism, and discipline displayed by his predecessors, even in the face of political attacks, blackmail, and misinformation campaigns.
“Prof. Amupitan must ensure INEC remains impartial, focused, and law-abiding at all times. The Commission must not lose sight of its constitutional responsibility of delivering credible elections that reflect the will of the people,” the statement read.
The group also advised Amupitan to quickly familiarize himself with INEC’s internal systems and maintain an open-door policy to foster inclusive engagement with political parties, civil society groups, and other critical stakeholders in the electoral process.
Group Rejects Electoral Act Amendment Targeting INEC
Meanwhile, the CPPM has kicked against a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act, which reportedly seeks to make it the responsibility of INEC to provide evidence of alleged electoral malpractice during tribunal proceedings.
The organization described the proposal as “illogical, irrational, and an assault on human sensibility.”
“How can INEC, which is legally empowered to conduct elections, be compelled to provide proof of alleged electoral malpractice that a candidate or political party has identified and taken to court?” CPPM queried.
“In law, the onus of proof lies with the person making the allegation, not the institution that administered the process.”
The civil group warned that such amendments could undermine the integrity of the judicial process, weaken institutional accountability, and embolden false claims during post-election disputes.
Commitment to Democratic Accountability
Reaffirming its commitment to deepening democracy, the CPPM said it would continue to collaborate with patriotic stakeholders, researchers, and reform advocates to promote transparent elections through dialogue, consultation, and evidence-based advocacy.
“We remain committed to strengthening democracy through facts, reasoned arguments, and responsible civic engagement. CPPM will not be part of efforts to incite, mislead, or derail Nigeria’s democratic progress,” Ekujumi concluded.
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