The appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s democratic journey. His pledge that “election integrity will not be compromised” comes at a time when public confidence in the electoral process has been severely tested. Nigerians are eager, but cautious, having heard similar promises from past leaderships that failed to deliver on transparency and credibility. INEC’s central challenge remains institutional — a credibility deficit rooted in perception and performance.
Successive elections have exposed operational weak nesses, from logistical lapses to result management controversies, leaving citizens skeptical of the Commission’s neutrality. Prof. Amupitan inherits not just an office, but a trust deficit that must be repaired through verifiable reforms, not moral declarations. Analytically, three issues will define his tenure. First is process integrity — ensuring that technology, personnel, and logistics align seamlessly to prevent manipulation. The 2023 general elections revealed gaps in the transmission of results and voter confidence; these must be addressed with transparency and accountability.
Second is institutional independence. For INEC to command respect, it must function above political interference. Nigerians will judge Amupitan by how firmly he resists external pressures, protects the autonomy of the Commission, and ensures that appointments and decisions reflect competence rather than convenience. Third is public trust. The Commission must communicate more clearly, engage civil society, and demonstrate openness in its operations. Credibility thrives on visibility — the public must see integrity in action. The forthcoming Anambra governorship election will serve as an early test of leadership and institutional readiness.
It offers Prof. Amupitan a chance to prove that his words are not mere rhetoric. Integrity, as history teaches, is not declared from the podium; it is built through consistent action. The new INEC Chairman stands at a crossroads — between the burden of Nigeria’s electoral past and the promise of a new beginning. His tenure will either reset the narrative of trust or reinforce the nation’s cynicism. Prof. Amupitan has spoken boldly. Now, Nigerians await evidence that INEC under his watch can truly match its words with action.
