By Muhammad Mamman
The founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Boniface Aniebonam, has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking in Lagos on Sunday amid ongoing controversy over the appointment, Mr Aniebonam said Mr Amupitan’s confirmation by the Senate would mark an opportunity to restore public confidence in the electoral body.
“The first task before Amupitan is to rebuild INEC’s battered image and regain the trust of Nigerians,” Aniebonam stated. “He must study the commission thoroughly and correct issues ignored by the previous leadership.”
The National Council of State had, on 7 October, approved Mr Amupitan’s appointment to succeed Mahmood Yakubu, pending Senate confirmation.
Aniebonam noted that President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council must have carefully assessed Amupitan’s competence before his nomination, describing the move as part of Tinubu’s commitment to reform key institutions.
He criticised the previous INEC leadership for alleged disobedience to court orders, particularly regarding NNPP’s internal leadership disputes. “Our experience with INEC was disappointing. Ignoring valid court rulings erodes confidence in democratic institutions,” he said.
Aniebonam urged the incoming INEC boss to address unresolved issues promptly, including alleged irregularities in the alteration of NNPP’s logo and colours without due process.
He assured that the NNPP would fully support both President Tinubu and the new INEC leadership to ensure transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral system.
