By Ayomide Otitoju
Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has pledged to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure a credible, fair, and transparent electoral process in Nigeria.
The commitment was made during his address at the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) at the Federal University of Lokoja, where he was honoured for his dedication and service.
Speaking on ongoing efforts to amend the Electoral Act, Amupitan said INEC would actively engage lawmakers to ensure that reforms incorporate lessons from past elections and bolster public confidence in the electoral process.
“I will start participating in the National Assembly to ensure we have an electoral process and laws that Nigerians can be proud of,” he said.
Amupitan emphasized the importance of a strong legal framework as the foundation of credible elections. “Law is not merely a set of rules but a foundation upon which societies build their progress,” he noted.
He added that one of the aims of the reforms is to reduce electoral litigations by promoting fairness and transparency at every stage. “Let us not see electoral petitions in court,” he urged, calling for a process that truly reflects the will of the people.
The INEC Chairman was presented with a plaque by the Federal University of Lokoja in recognition of his “dedication, hard work, and inspiration to many.” He also called on the academic community to continue supporting efforts to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
Amupitan’s swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu followed the Senate’s confirmation of his appointment on October 16. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
