The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it will give him “the benefit of the doubt” but expects him to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a statement issued late Thursday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the nomination of the University of Jos law professor presents an opportunity to rebuild trust in the electoral body following growing skepticism among voters.
The statement, titled “ADC’s Preliminary Reaction to the Nomination of Professor Amupitan as New INEC Chairman,” urged the incoming chairman to prioritise integrity, transparency, and independence, stressing that his loyalty should lie with the Nigerian people and not political interests.
“We are cautious. But we expect the new INEC Chairman to have a personal ambition to do better and restore the confidence of Nigerians and the world in our elections,” the statement read.
“He must understand that his loyalty is with the Nigerian people, not the government. We are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt based on his track record. But now he has the opportunity to make a good name for himself or end up with ignominy.”
The party further reminded Amupitan that his tenure will likely extend beyond one electoral cycle, warning him to “look beyond the interest of those who appointed him.”
Earlier on Thursday, the National Council of State unanimously approved President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
According to Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the council that Amupitan — a Kogi-born academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria — is “apolitical and a man of integrity.” The president will now forward his name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is an expert in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law, and was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014.
He also serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
