Janet Salihu
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has unveiled key priorities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, calling for sustained legislative support for electoral reforms, infrastructure development and enhanced voter education.
Professor Amupitan made this known during his maiden interactive meeting with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Senate New Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
In his remarks, the INEC Chairman described the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democratic framework, noting that its legislative and oversight functions have direct implications for electoral credibility and political stability. He expressed appreciation to the Senate for what he described as a rigorous but constructive confirmation process, which he said reflected institutional collaboration rooted in constitutional principles.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, Professor Amupitan noted that the Commission was immediately tasked with conducting the Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025. He reported that the election was successfully concluded in one day, a departure from past experiences, attributing the outcome to effective inter-agency cooperation and support from the National Assembly and other stakeholders, adding that the exercise provided valuable lessons, particularly in the areas of logistics and operational efficiency.
The INEC Chairman emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral process operates within a tripartite legal framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. While reaffirming INEC’s constitutional mandate to conduct elections, he stressed that all actions of the Commission must remain consistent with extant laws enacted by the National Assembly.
According to him, supporting the legislature in achieving meaningful constitutional and electoral reforms remains a major priority of his administration,b highlighted the need to strengthen electoral infrastructure and responsibly deploy technology to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and public confidence in the electoral process.
Professor Amupitan further identified voter education as a key mandate that would receive increased attention, noting that informed citizen participation is essential to credible elections. He added that logistics remains central to electoral success, especially as preparations are underway for forthcoming elections, including the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and other off-cycle polls scheduled for 2026.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, welcomed the INEC Chairman and his delegation, describing the engagement as a significant step toward strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Senator Lalong congratulated Professor Amupitan on his appointment, noting that he assumed office at a time of high public expectations and evolving challenges such as technological innovation, voter education, electoral security, logistics and public trust. He assured INEC of the Committee’s commitment to providing legislative support, constructive oversight and policy guidance.
He stressed that the interactive session was intended to promote frank dialogue and collaboration rather than ceremonial engagement, adding that while the Committee remains committed to electoral reforms and budgetary support, it fully respects INEC’s constitutional independence.
According to him, credible elections remain the foundation of democratic legitimacy and public confidence in governance.
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