The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it is prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt but expects him to demonstrate independence and integrity in office.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the appointment as an opportunity for Professor Amupitan to rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We are cautious, but we expect the new INEC Chairman to have a personal ambition to do better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in Nigerian elections,” Abdullahi stated.
He further advised the new INEC boss to remain loyal to the Nigerian people rather than any government or political interest. “He must understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government. We are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt based on his track record. But now he has the opportunity to make a good name for himself that his children would be proud of—or to soil his record and end up with ignominy,” the statement added.
Abdullahi also reminded Amupitan that his tenure would extend beyond one electoral cycle, urging him to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
Earlier on Thursday, the National Council of State approved Professor Amupitan’s nomination as the new INEC Chairman following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 until October 2025.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee, noting that he hails from Kogi State in the North-Central region and is regarded as apolitical. Onanuga added that council members unanimously endorsed his appointment, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing him as “a man of integrity.”
If confirmed, Professor Amupitan will be the first person from Kogi State to occupy the position of INEC Chairman, and his leadership is expected to play a decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.