Promises to Confront Election Logistics Challenges Head-on
The newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has vowed to tackle Nigeria’s recurring election logistics challenges “head-on,” pledging a thorough audit of the Commission’s operations and systems to strengthen electoral integrity.
Amupitan made the commitment during his screening before the Senate in Abuja yesterday, where he addressed key issues ranging from INEC’s independence and use of technology to electoral funding, transparency, and the need for an Electoral Offences Commission.
After over three hours of questioning, the Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination through a voice vote. Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally announced:
“The nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as INEC Chairman is hereby confirmed.”
The session, which was filled with moments of humour and rigorous interrogation, saw Amupitan defend his record and respond to allegations that he served on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 election dispute—an allegation he flatly denied.
Audit and Reform of INEC Logistics
Amupitan pledged to conduct a full-scale audit of INEC’s logistics and operational systems, citing the persistent problem of unreliable third-party transport providers during elections.
“We must confront these problems head-on,” he said. “INEC depends on hired vehicles, many of which are old and unreliable. Often, when they drop off election materials, they do not return to convey results back to collation centres. INEC must consider developing its own transport fleet to ensure efficiency.”
He revealed that during the 2023 general election, his own wife, who served as a collation officer, had to move a generator from their home to the collation centre due to logistical failures.
Commitment to Electoral Integrity and Technology
On the use of technology in elections, the new INEC boss acknowledged the public concerns surrounding the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), noting that while the tools were designed to improve transparency, they must be better integrated with Nigeria’s legal framework.
Citing a Supreme Court ruling, he clarified that IReV “is not part of the official result collation system” but a safeguard for public viewing and verification.
He further emphasized collaboration with key institutions such as the NCC, NIMC, and service providers to ensure reliability in digital election processes.
Pledges to Uphold INEC’s Independence
Responding to questions on financial autonomy, Amupitan noted that although the law mandates the release of INEC funds at least a year before elections, delays still occur, affecting preparations.
“INEC’s independence is constitutionally guaranteed, but practical realities often constrain it. We will conduct a full audit to identify and address factors undermining autonomy,” he assured.
Calls for an Electoral Offences Commission
Amupitan renewed calls for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, arguing that INEC currently lacks the capacity to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders.
“INEC’s responsibility should be limited to conducting elections. Investigations and prosecutions should be handled by a specialized body,” he said.
Senate Applauds, Confirms Nominee
The confirmation hearing also had light-hearted moments. When Senator Simon Lalong remarked that he “went through” Amupitan during his postgraduate studies at the University of Jos, Senate President Akpabio quipped:
“Do not say you went through, went under, or went above him,” sparking laughter across the chamber.
Earlier, Akpabio disclosed that Amupitan had been cleared by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, which confirmed he had no criminal record.
Present at the screening were the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya; and members of Amupitan’s family.
In his closing remarks, Amupitan attributed his rise to “God, hard work, and mentorship,” promising to serve the nation with integrity and fairness.
“I am proud to be the first professor of law from Kogi State and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I owe this country diligent service and transparent elections,” he said.
