The newly confirmed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said that elections will be credible under his watch, with losers congratulating the winners.
Amupitan whose nomination for the top electoral job the Senate on Thursday, pledged to restore integrity and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He said his goal is to make elections so transparent that “the loser will congratulate the winner.”
Speaking before his confirmation at the Senate Committee of the Whole yesterday, Amupitan outlined a comprehensive reform plan that includes setting up an internal ethical committee, introducing a whistleblower policy, enforcing accountability within the Commission, and deploying technology — including drones — to improve election logistics and security.
Expectedly, reactions have trailed Amupitan’s statements in the course of his screening.
Civil society organisations, including Yiaga Africa and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD, West Africa), said time will prove whether or not Amupitan can ensure the electoral commission is truly independent.
Other organisations, like the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), urged him to be bold and not be swayed by the antics of the political class.
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