Nwagwu Urges New INEC Chairman Amupitan to Resist Political Pressure, Restore Credibility
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Public accountability and democratic reforms advocate, Ezenwa Nwagwu, has urged the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo-Amupitan, to resist political influence and uphold integrity in managing Nigeria’s elections.
Nwagwu made the call on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television, where he emphasized the need for transparency, independence, and strong leadership to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
He also appealed to the Nigerian Senate to ensure a rigorous and transparent screening of Prof. Amupitan, warning that mere endorsement would not address the credibility crisis facing the electoral body.
“The president has made the nomination, but the nominee still has to be profiled by the secret police and then presented to the Council of State,” Nwagwu said.
“That oversight mechanism needs to be more transparent. I’m worried that all we ever hear is that the Council of State unanimously approved. It would have been better if we knew whether there were votes or dissenting opinions.”
Nwagwu further urged the Senate committees on intelligence, electoral matters, and anti-corruption to thoroughly vet the nominee’s record and commitment to electoral integrity.
He maintained that only a credible, independent INEC could rebuild public trust after the controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.
