IPAC, CSOs Task New INEC Chairman On Integrity

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), on his appointment as chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), saying it hoped he would bring his wealth of experience to count in discharging this critical national assignment with integrity.

IPAC in a statement by its national chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle in Abuja yesterday, said Nigerians expect an independent electoral body and electoral reform that would consolidate, deepen and strengthen the democratic system.

He said free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections would foster national unity, political stability and prosperity and rebuild trust in the electoral process and uphold the sanctity of the ballot box.

He said these aligned with the vision and mandate of IPAC in deepening our democracy, ensuring an environment conducive to successful elections, political stability and overall well-being of Nigerians.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will collaborate with the new leadership of INEC and critical stakeholders to enhance the credibility and integrity of the nation’s electoral process, and strengthen democratic institutions and governance,” the body said.
IPAC charged Prof Amupitan to discharge his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in him bearing in mind that the whole world is watching him.

Similarly, some Civil Society Organisations have asked Amupitan to demonstrate moral courage and resistance to political interference if confirmed by the Senate.
In a statement jointly signed by Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA) International Press Center

The Kukah Centre African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) and five others, the CSOs said INEC works better when it is insulated from political interference.

“We, the undersigned civil society organisations working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa, acknowledge the announcement by the Presidency on the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the conclusion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. This comes after consultation with the Council of State, which reportedly granted unanimous approval to his nomination.

“We must, however, note that the Council of State approval does not replace the duty of the Nigerian Senate to conduct due diligence through rigorous and transparent screening process that inspires public trust. We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive and citizens-centered appointment process that is consistent with the recommendations of key electoral reform interventions like the Justice Uwais Report, Ken Nnamani committee report, and the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reforms. We acknowledge Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional accomplishments; therefore, we have no objection in principle to his nomination,” they said.