The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has outlined key priority areas aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, with a focus on legal reforms, infrastructure upgrade, voter education and improved logistics.
Professor Amupitan disclosed this during his maiden interactive session with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Senate New Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The meeting marked his first formal engagement with the Committee since assuming office and was attended by all National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission and members of his technical team. Senators present included the Committee Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, alongside Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tony Nwoye, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Emma Nwachukwu, Kelvin Chukwu and Sunday Katum.
Addressing lawmakers, Professor Amupitan described the Senate Committee as a “critical pillar” in Nigeria’s democratic framework, noting that its legislative and oversight roles have a direct bearing on the credibility and stability of elections. He thanked the Senate for what he called a rigorous and transparent confirmation process, describing it as evidence of institutional cooperation rooted in constitutional order.
Reflecting on his early days in office, the INEC Chairman recalled that the Commission was immediately tasked with conducting the Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025. He noted that the election was concluded within a single day, a development he said marked an improvement on past experiences.
“The Anambra election provided valuable lessons, particularly in logistics and operational coordination,” he said, attributing the outcome to inter-agency collaboration and support from the National Assembly and other stakeholders.
Professor Amupitan emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral process operates within a tripartite legal framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. While INEC has powers to issue regulations, he stressed that such powers must align strictly with constitutional and legislative provisions.
He commended the National Assembly for allowing the Commission to contribute inputs into ongoing constitutional and electoral amendment processes, describing this as essential for meaningful reform.
Outlining his leadership vision, the INEC Chairman said supporting the National Assembly to achieve credible electoral reforms remains a top priority. He added that strengthening infrastructure and deploying technology must be done carefully to improve transparency, credibility and inclusiveness without undermining due process.
He also highlighted voter education as a mandate that would receive renewed attention, noting that informed participation by citizens is central to credible elections. According to him, logistics remains the backbone of successful elections, adding that preparations for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections and other off-cycle polls depend significantly on the timely conclusion of electoral reforms by lawmakers.
Earlier, Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, welcomed the INEC delegation, describing the meeting as a significant step towards strengthening democratic institutions. He said public confidence in governance is closely linked to the credibility of elections conducted by INEC.
Senator Lalong congratulated Professor Amupitan on his appointment, noting that he assumed office at a time of heightened public expectations and evolving challenges, including technology adoption, electoral security, logistics and public trust.
He assured INEC of the Committee’s readiness to provide legislative backing, constructive oversight and policy guidance, stressing that oversight should not be misconstrued as interference.
“This engagement is meant to encourage frank dialogue and collaboration, not ceremonial interaction,” Senator Lalong said, reaffirming the Committee’s respect for INEC’s constitutional independence.
The session ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to institutional cooperation aimed at improving the integrity, transparency and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
