The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has outlined key priorities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, with a focus on electoral reforms, infrastructure development, and voter education.
Professor Amupitan disclosed this during his maiden interactive meeting with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, held on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at Room 107 of the Senate New Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The meeting marked his first formal engagement with the Committee since assuming office. He was accompanied by all National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and technical aides, underscoring the importance INEC attached to the interaction. Senators present included the Committee Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, alongside Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tony Nwoye, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Emma Nwachukwu, Kelvin Chukwu, and Sunday Katum.
In his remarks, Professor Amupitan described the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democratic architecture, noting that its legislative and oversight functions significantly influence the credibility and stability of the electoral process. He expressed appreciation to the Senate for the rigorous confirmation process that preceded his appointment, describing it as a reflection of institutional cooperation anchored on constitutional principles.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, the INEC Chairman noted that the Commission was immediately tasked with conducting the Anambra Governorship Election of 8 November 2025. He reported that the election was successfully concluded within a single day—a notable departure from previous experiences—and attributed the outcome to effective inter-agency collaboration and the support of the National Assembly and other stakeholders. According to him, the exercise offered valuable lessons, particularly in logistics and operational efficiency.
Professor Amupitan emphasized that Nigeria’s electoral system operates within a tripartite framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. While INEC is empowered to conduct elections and issue regulations, he stressed that all actions must align with constitutional provisions and laws enacted by the National Assembly. He commended the legislature for allowing INEC to contribute to ongoing constitutional and electoral amendment processes.
Outlining his vision, the INEC Chairman stated that supporting the National Assembly in achieving meaningful electoral reforms remains a core priority of his leadership. He also emphasized the need to strengthen electoral infrastructure and deploy technology in ways that enhance transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness. He acknowledged public expectations and perception challenges, stressing the importance of strict adherence to constitutionalism, due process, and institutional boundaries.
Voter education, he added, will receive renewed attention under his administration, noting that informed citizen participation is critical to electoral integrity. He further highlighted logistics as central to successful elections and observed that preparations for upcoming polls—including the FCT Area Council Election and other off-cycle elections scheduled for 2026—are closely tied to the timely conclusion of electoral reforms by the National Assembly.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, welcomed Professor Amupitan and his delegation, describing the engagement as a significant step toward strengthening democratic institutions. He reaffirmed INEC’s central role in building public confidence in governance and stressed that credible elections are fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
Senator Lalong congratulated the INEC Chairman on his appointment, noting that he assumed office amid heightened public expectations and evolving challenges such as technological innovation, voter education, electoral security, logistics, and public trust. He assured INEC of the Committee’s readiness to provide legislative support, constructive oversight, and policy guidance to enable the Commission to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.
He emphasized that the session was intended to promote frank dialogue and institutional collaboration rather than ceremonial interaction, reiterating that while the Committee remains committed to electoral reforms through legislation and budgetary support, oversight does not amount to interference and respect for INEC’s constitutional independence remains paramount.
