A coalition of Northern youth organisations and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) called on the National Assembly on Wednesday to confirm Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appeal was made at a joint press conference in Abuja, addressed by Ambassador Aliyu Muhammed on behalf of the Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations (CNYO), Arewa Youth Movement (AYM), Arewa Youth Congress (AYC), North Central Youth Council (NCYC), Northern Youth Council (NYC), Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), and NANS.
The groups said their position followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Amupitan, which was approved by the National Council of State last week. They described Amupitan’s appointment as a step toward strengthening the electoral body’s independence and credibility.
“We, the undersigned Northern groups and NANS, express our support for Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Muhammed said.
The coalition dismissed as baseless claims that Amupitan should be disqualified because of his previous work as lead counsel for political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), in election petition tribunals.
“We reject in strong terms the claims of disqualification raised by some individuals. These allegations are without legal merit and motivated by malice,” Muhammed said.
The groups argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not bar lawyers who have represented political clients from holding public office, including the position of INEC Chairman. They stressed that professional experience in law enhances, rather than diminishes, one’s ability to serve impartially.
“The Constitution of Nigeria does not disqualify individuals who have previously worked with political affiliates as clients from holding the position of INEC Chairman. His wealth of experience and expertise in law and governance make him a capable and credible candidate,” the coalition said.
They urged the National Assembly to expedite Amupitan’s confirmation, noting that any delay could undermine preparations for future elections.
“We urge the National Assembly to confirm his nomination without further delay. We are confident that he will uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and impartiality as enshrined in the Constitution,” Muhammed added.
