The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, has stated that Professor Joash Ojo-Amupitan, the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will have his work cut out for him if confirmed.
Itodo stated this on Thursday in an interview with Arise News.
According to Itodo, Amupitan must prioritize transparency, professionalism, and consistency to rebuild trust in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Amupitan’s academic credentials and professional qualifications are unimpeachable, Itodo noted that INEC requires more than just qualified individuals. “You require individuals who have the courage to withstand political pressure,” .
Itodo acknowledged that Amupitan’s background as an election litigation expert gave him some insight into the system.
He however, emphasised that managing election litigation was different from understanding election administration.
“Once you manage election litigation, you have a certain level of understanding about how elections work, even though it doesn’t mean you understand election administration,” Itodo stated.
The YIAGA Africa director highlighted the urgent timeline that Amupitan faced, with several off-cycle elections and the 2027 general election timetable due in February.
“He doesn’t have sufficient time if he is confirmed,” Itodo said, emphasizing the need for a swift confirmation process.
Itodo also called for full transparency and public participation in the confirmation process.
“The Senate needs to ensure that in the confirmation process, it is open and transparent,” he said, urging the Senate to issue a public call for memoranda and petitions.
To succeed, Amupitan must prioritise several key issues, including election funding, operational reforms, and technological transparency.
Itodo noted that the next election is projected to cost around N840 billion, up from N305 billion in 2023, and that 65 per cent of the funding should be released early to enable INEC to begin deploying non-sensitive materials.
Itodo emphasised the need for consistent application of INEC’s guidelines and greater scrutiny of its technology platforms.
“The inconsistent application of INEC guidelines must stop,” he said, adding that the new chairman must subject the BVAS and IReV backend to public scrutiny to deepen citizens’ confidence.
To ensure independence and credibility, Amupitan must take immediate steps to demonstrate his commitment to transparency and professionalism.
Itodo outlined three ongoing actions that would define his independence: the registration of political parties, the conduct of the Anambra and other elections, and the consistency in applying INEC’s policies.
Itodo warned that political interference and funding manipulation could undermine the commission’s performance.
“If they starve him of funds, they’ve already set him up for failure,” he said, emphasising the need for stakeholders to support Amupitan in his efforts to deliver credible elections.
Itodo stressed that reforms must extend to INEC’s internal structure and personnel to deliver credible elections.
“The quality, character, and credibility of resident electoral commissioners would determine how successful INEC becomes,” he said, adding that the chairman must work with people of courage and competence to achieve success.
