Amupitan vows to partner with lawmakers to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has pledged to collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure credible, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria.

According to a statement by INEC on Monday, Amupitan made the commitment while addressing participants at the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, held at the Federal University of Lokoja, where he was also honored for his dedication and service.

Speaking on ongoing efforts to amend the Electoral Act, Amupitan said the commission would actively engage lawmakers to ensure that the reforms reflect lessons learned from past elections and strengthen public confidence in the process.

“I will start waiting to participate in the National Assembly to be sure that we have a learning electoral process and laws that you and I and Nigerians should be proud of,” Amupitan said.

He emphasized that a well-structured legal framework is the foundation of a credible electoral system.

“Law is not merely a set of rules but a foundation upon which societies build their progress,” he said.

Amupitan added that one of the goals of the ongoing reform is to reduce electoral litigations by ensuring fairness and transparency at every stage.

“Let us not see electoral petitions in court,” he said, calling for a process that 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 urged the academic community to continue supporting efforts aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

Amupitan was sworn in as INEC chairman by President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 23, a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment following a screening session on Oct. 16. Tinubu appointed Amupitan to replace Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 until October 2025.