By Elvis Ifeanyi| October 17, 2025
New INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan vows to make Nigeria’s elections so credible that even losers will congratulate winners. Read how his reform plans aim to restore public trust and reshape the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria’s newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has made a bold promise — to make future elections in Nigeria so credible that even defeated candidates will have no choice but to congratulate their opponents.
The vow, made shortly after his Senate confirmation, has sparked wide reactions nationwide, with many Nigerians hoping this signals a new dawn for electoral transparency and democracy.
Who Is Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan?
Prof. Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Kogi State, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, as INEC’s new chairman.
He succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure faced criticism over voter trust, result transmission controversies, and the credibility of previous elections.
With decades of experience in law, governance, and policy reforms, Amupitan’s appointment has been described by analysts as “a defining test for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.”
Amupitan’s Bold Pledge
Speaking during his inaugural press briefing, Amupitan said:
“Under my leadership, elections in Nigeria will be so credible that even losers will be the first to congratulate winners. I am determined to return faith, fairness, and transparency to our electoral system.”
This powerful statement echoes Nigerians’ long-held demand for free and fair elections — a goal that has eluded the nation since its return to democracy in 1999.
His Roadmap for Credible Elections
1.Technological Advancement
Amupitan pledged to upgrade INEC’s systems — from the BVAS machines to the IReV result-upload platform — ensuring transparency and real-time monitoring of votes.
He also hinted at partnerships with the NCC and NIMC to strengthen voter data integrity.
2. Institutional Reforms
He plans to advocate for an Electoral Offences Commission, an independent body empowered to prosecute electoral crimes and deter manipulation.
3.Civic Education & Youth Engagement
The new chairman emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust, especially among young Nigerians who have grown skeptical of the process.
“The ballot is the voice of the people. We will make every voice count,” he stated.
4. Transparency & Accountability
Amupitan promised to run an open institution — where Nigerians can hold INEC accountable and access accurate election information in real time.
Challenges Ahead
While his promises have been met with optimism, experts warn that Amupitan faces major challenges:
* Political interference from powerful interests
* Funding delays and logistical failures
* Weak enforcement of electoral laws
* Persistent distrust among voters
Civil society groups have also called for consistent reforms, not just promises. “Amupitan must prove his independence through actions, not words,” said the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in a statement.
Reactions Across Nigeria
Across social media platforms — particularly **X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook — Nigerians have been buzzing about Amupitan’s vow.
Many praised his courage and clarity, while others urged him to match his words with visible results.
Trending hashtags include:
#AmupitanINEC, #CredibleElections2027, #NigeriaDemocracy, and #ElectionReformNow.
Why This Matters
As Nigeria prepares for key off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls, Amupitan’s success or failure could define the credibility of the democratic process for years to come.
Observers say a transparent INEC could inspire renewed political participation, investor confidence, and stability — three things Nigeria urgently needs amid economic hardship.
Looking Ahead
Prof. Amupitan’s words have set high expectations. The nation now watches whether he can deliver on his pledge and build an electoral system that makes every Nigerian proud.
As one online commentator put it:
“If Prof. Amupitan truly makes elections so credible that losers congratulate winners, he will become a national hero.”
The journey to credible elections in Nigeria is long, but with strong leadership, transparency, and institutional courage, it is possible.
Prof. Amupitan’s statement has raised the bar — not just for INEC, but for the entire political class.