A coalition of Northern youth groups and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Senate to fast-track the confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The call was made during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday by the Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations (CNYO).
The groups described Amupitan as a man of integrity, professionalism, and deep legal knowledge.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ambassador Aliyu Muhammed commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Amupitan and praised the National Council of State for approving his appointment.
He said the nominee’s record makes him the ideal person to lead INEC into a new era of electoral transparency.
Muhammed dismissed what he called baseless and malicious attempts to discredit Amupitan’s nomination.
He said critics have unfairly cited Amupitan’s previous legal representation of political parties as grounds for disqualification.
“We reject, in the strongest terms, the unfounded claims that Professor Amupitan should be disqualified because he served as lead counsel to various political parties, including the APC, PDP, LP, and SDP, during election petition tribunals,” he stated.
He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution does not bar such individuals from holding public office.
Instead, he said, Amupitan’s broad experience across the political spectrum is an advantage that would ensure impartiality and fairness in INEC’s leadership.
“Professor Amupitan’s legal and academic expertise stands as proof of his capacity to manage the commission with professionalism and independence,” the coalition added.
The groups also passed a vote of confidence in Amupitan, saying his confirmation would strengthen public trust in the nation’s electoral process.
“We call on the National Assembly to confirm Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as INEC Chairman without further delay,” the coalition said.
“We are confident that he will uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and fairness as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.”
The statement comes as debates continue over the independence of the electoral body and the importance of appointing a leader who can restore confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.