The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to prioritise restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by ensuring integrity, transparency, and fairness in the conduct of elections.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization noted that the appointment of the new INEC boss comes at a crucial time when Nigerians are yearning for genuine electoral reforms and justice in the nation’s democratic system.
The group emphasised that the task before the new Chairman goes beyond routine electoral management, noting that it demands rebuilding trust, strengthening institutional independence, and ensuring that every ballot truly counts.
According to HEDA, the previous administration of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu was marked by notable achievements but also by shortcomings that dented public confidence in the electoral process. The civil group urged the new electoral umpire leadership to learn from those lapses and ensure that future elections meet both local and international standards of credibility.
“The expectations of Nigerians are very high. The new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan must move swiftly to address the weaknesses observed in past elections, particularly issues around result transmission, logistics, and voter suppression,” Suraju said.
According to Suraju, INEC’s mandate is clear; to conduct free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people. Anything short of that will deepen the trust deficit in our democratic institutions.
“The forthcoming November 8, Anambra gubernatorial elections will serve as an early test of competence and integrity for the new INEC boss, and how the commission manages these elections will indicate whether a new era of electoral credibility is indeed underway.” He added.
Meanwhile, the civil society organization reaffirmed its commitment, alongside other civil society organisations, to remain active partners in the electoral reform process. “The civil society space will remain open for constructive engagement and dialogue to chart a sustainable path for the electoral umpire in discharging its duties effectively,” He noted.
HEDA urged the new INEC leadership to embrace collaboration with stakeholders, leverage technology effectively, and ensure that the commission operates with the utmost neutrality and transparency.
