Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has cautioned Nigerians against what he described as “dangerous complacency” following the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Amadi, a prominent governance analyst and former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), expressed concern that many Nigerians are focusing on Amupitan’s academic brilliance rather than demanding electoral reforms and accountability from his incoming administration.
In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Amadi criticized the public for “praising Amupitan’s litigation skills” instead of questioning how he intends to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process after the controversies surrounding former INEC boss, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
“Nigerians are celebrating his legal expertise instead of setting a clear agenda for him. What is the relationship between litigation and credible elections?” Amadi queried. “We are trivializing serious national issues and are not conscious of the dangers ahead.”
His remarks came after Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), publicly endorsed Amupitan’s appointment, describing him as “a man deeply rooted in litigation and capable of sanitizing the electoral process.” Dantalle also praised Yakubu’s technological innovations, such as BVAS and IReV, but urged Amupitan to strengthen institutional independence.
Analysts believe Amadi’s warning reflects growing public distrust toward Nigeria’s electoral institutions, especially after the 2023 general elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging, voter suppression, and technical failures. Many observers argue that Amupitan’s tenure will be defined by whether he can restore transparency, rebuild trust, and ensure the 2027 polls are credible.
Political experts have also urged Amupitan to prioritize reforms that address INEC’s operational independence, funding transparency, and voter confidence, warning that failure to act decisively could deepen Nigeria’s democratic crisis.
