CAN’T WE JUST TRUST AMUPITAN?

Exactly one year after Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, became Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerians are left wondering if they can trust him with the integrity of their ballot. From the moment his name was sent to the Senate, Amupitan faced allegations of partisanship. Commentators dug up old documents and tried to link him to a narrative of bias, continuing a pattern in Nigerian politics where appointees of an incumbent president are often met with suspicion.

The opposition in several states even descended into protracted legal warfare, with factions claiming legitimacy. There were also accusations that Amupitan's INEC was handling data carelessly, sparking alarm in a country where data is power. However, Amupitan's INEC quickly clarified protocols and invited forensic audits where necessary.

A recent incident in Kogi State illustrated how the Commission's delimitation efforts were based on population growth, voter density, and accessibility challenges – not discrimination. Despite the noise, Amupitan has focused on reform, pushing for laws to criminalize vote buying and address violent political rhetoric. He also invested in the backend, improving audit trails, training for presiding officers, and deployment of materials.

Recently, INEC unveiled a real-time readiness tracker to monitor material distribution and state-level preparedness ahead of the upcoming elections. While there have been credible elections under Amupitan's watch, such as the governorship contests in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states, and the FCT council elections, by-elections in September 2026 will be a test.

Amupitan has promised these polls will set a template for transparency and due process. However, scepticism remains about his ability to deliver trustworthy elections.