Reactions by a cross-section of Nigerians to the Appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as INEC Chairman

A Nation Watches: Nigerian Reactions to the Appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as INEC Chairman

In a political climate still reeling from the contentious 2023 general elections, the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stirred a complex mix of anticipation, skepticism, and cautious optimism across Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of Amupitan, a legal scholar from the University of Jos, was swiftly approved by the Council of State, signaling a decisive shift in the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s two-term tenure.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the appointment with open arms, pledging full cooperation and support for the new chairman. Jide Meseko, the party’s deputy national publicity secretary, emphasized that the president acted within his constitutional prerogative and expressed confidence in Amupitan’s ability to steer the commission effectively.

This endorsement, however, has done little to quell concerns among opposition parties and civil society groups, many of whom view the appointment through a lens of political caution.

Opposition voices, particularly from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), have urged Amupitan to prioritize rebuilding public trust over political loyalty.

The 2023 elections left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Nigerians, marred by allegations of irregularities, logistical failures, and perceived bias. Bolaji Abdullahi of the ADC articulated a sentiment shared by many: that Amupitan’s loyalty must lie with the Nigerian people, not the administration that appointed him. He challenged the new chairman to seize this moment to build a legacy of integrity and transparency, warning that his tenure will likely span multiple electoral cycles and must transcend partisan interests.

Among ordinary Nigerians and democratic reform advocates, the mood is one of urgency and expectation. Ezenwa Nwagwu, a prominent voice in public accountability, noted that Nigerians are “in too much of a hurry” for Amupitan to prove himself.

With off-cycle governorship elections looming in states like Anambra and Osun, the pressure is mounting for the new chairman to demonstrate competence and impartiality from the outset. Nwagwu stressed the need for holistic internal reforms within INEC, particularly in the selection and performance of Resident Electoral Commissioners, suggesting that Amupitan’s success will depend not only on his personal integrity but also on the caliber of his team.

Social media platforms and public discourse reflect a nation cautiously watching its electoral future unfold. While some Nigerians express hope that Amupitan’s academic pedigree and legal expertise will translate into effective leadership, others remain wary, citing the entrenched challenges that have plagued INEC for years.

The appointment has reignited debates about the independence of the commission, the transparency of electoral processes, and the broader question of democratic accountability in Nigeria.

The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as INEC Chairman has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience. It is a moment fraught with expectations and demands for reform, where the credibility of future elections, and by extension, the legitimacy of governance, hangs in the balance.

Whether Amupitan rises to the occasion or falters under the weight of public scrutiny will shape not only his legacy but also the trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic journey.