Amupitan: INEC Chairman pledges collaboration with NASS for credible electoral reforms

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has vowed to work closely with the National Assembly to deliver a credible, fair, and transparent electoral process in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by INEC on Monday, Professor Amupitan made this commitment while speaking at the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), held at the Federal University of Lokoja, where he was honoured for his dedication and service.

Addressing the gathering, the INEC boss said the Commission would actively collaborate with lawmakers on the ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act to ensure that the reforms incorporate lessons from previous elections and strengthen citizens’ trust in the system.

“I will start waiting to participate in the National Assembly to be sure that we have a learning electoral process and laws that you and I and Nigerians should be proud of,” Amupitan stated.

He stressed that a strong legal framework forms the backbone of a credible electoral system, adding that “law is not merely a set of rules but a foundation upon which societies build their progress.”

Amupitan further explained that one of the major goals of the ongoing reform process is to minimize election-related court cases by ensuring fairness and transparency at all levels of the electoral process.

“Let us not see electoral petitions in court,” he said, calling for a system that genuinely reflects the will of the people.

During the event, the Federal University of Lokoja presented the INEC Chairman with a plaque in recognition of his “dedication, hard work, and inspiration to many.”

Amupitan also urged members of the academic community to continue supporting efforts to deepen democracy in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served from 2015 until October 2025. Amupitan was confirmed by the Senate on October 16 and officially sworn in by the President on October 23.