The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by President Bola Tinubu, saying it will give him the benefit of doubt.
In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it expects the new INEC Chairman to rebuild public trust in the nation’s electoral process and demonstrate loyalty to the Nigerian people rather than the government.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 ADC also reminded Professor Amupitan that his tenure would likely extend beyond one electoral cycle, urging him to act independently of those who appointed him.
The statement followed Thursday’s National Council of State meeting, where the council unanimously endorsed President Tinubu’s nomination of Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.
According to Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the nominee as “apolitical” and “a man of integrity,” noting that he is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position.
Amupitan’s name is expected to be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
Born on April 25, 1967, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A Professor of Law at the University of Jos, he specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, and Corporate Governance. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at UNIJOS, as well as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
