1. Credentials Prime: Amupitan’s Ph.D. in Law, SAN status, and administrative roles bolster his suitability.
2. Election Integrity Focus: His expertise in electoral jurisprudence positions him to address INEC’s systemic weaknesses.
3. Upcoming Elections as a Test Case: Anambra and Osun gubernatorial polls will scrutinize INEC’s operational transparency.
4. Cross-Party Consensus: Opposition leaders are united in supporting the appointment, signaling a rare political alignment.

Professor Amupitan’s Rise to INEC Leadership

Amupitan’s trajectory from academia to legal authority is a testament to his diverse expertise. With over three decades as a law professor at the University of Jos, he has authored seminal texts on constitutional and electoral law. His tenure as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) further solidified his reputation for navigating complex legal frameworks, particularly in election petition tribunals. This background equips him to overhaul INEC’s operational culture, which has long grappled with allegations of bureaucratic inefficiency and political interference.

Unlike his predecessor, who served over a decade, Amupitan’s dual lens as an academic and practitioner offers a fresh perspective. His judicial experience—particularly in interpreting Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2011—positions him to refine INEC’s procedural manuals and mitigate legal loopholes exploited in past elections.

INEC’s Role in Nigeria’s Democratic Health

The INEC Chairman’s appointment is never mundane. Since the restoration of democracy in 1999, INEC has been tasked with conducting free, fair, and credible elections—a mandate enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution (Section 14(b)). However, the commission has repeatedly faced criticism for logistical shortcomings, delayed voter registration, and ballot manipulation. Amupitan’s endorsement by opposition lawmakers signals hope that his appointment could mark a departure from these historical challenges.

Professor Yakubu’s resignation in February 2025 after overseeing the fraught 2023 presidential election underscored the urgency for reform. Amupitan’s mandate to lead during the 2025 local and state elections is critical, as these contests often set the tone for national political stability.

Reforming INEC’s Institutional Framework

Amupitan must prioritize institutional reforms to rebuild public trust. Key steps include:

1. Adopting Biometric Systems: Upgrade voter verification processes to reduce proxy voting.
2. Decentralizing Operations: Empower state INEC offices to minimize centralization-related delays.
3. Transparent Budgeting: Publish financial allocations to counter perceptions of resource mismanagement.

These measures align with his track record of advocating for procedural clarity, as highlighted in his 2018 paper on electoral reform strategies.

Engaging Stakeholders Amid Political Tension

With opposition lawmakers urging accountability, Amupitan must balance autonomy with collaboration. Establishing joint committees with party representatives could preempt accusations of partisan bias. Additionally, leveraging INEC’s social media platforms to broadcast real-time election updates may counter misinformation—a critical tool in an era of rampant fake news.

Risk of Backlash from Political Actors

While opposition lawmakers have endorsed Amupitan, other factions may question his impartiality. For instance, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could exploit any electoral setback to discredit his leadership. To mitigate this, Amupitan should preemptively publish INEC’s decision-making protocols, ensuring actions are visible and defensible.

Resource Limitations Constraining Election Credibility

Nigeria’s federal structure poses logistical hurdles. Funding shortages and equipment deficits in 12 northern states, for example, disrupted the 2023 polls. Without a budgetary overhaul, Amupitan risks replicating past failures. Expert endorsements like his align with the need for resources to meet realistic timelines.

Amupitan vs. Previous INEC Chairmen: A Study in Contrasts

While Yakubu spearheaded technological adoption, Amupitan’s focus on legal frameworks and stakeholder engagement represents a strategic pivot. However, lasting credibility requires more than individual competence—it demands institutional resilience.

Constitutional Safeguards and Judicial Independence

INEC’s independence is constitutionally enshrined (Section 155, 201 Constitution). However, debates persist over the extent of this autonomy, particularly regarding its accountability to the National Assembly. Amupitan’s legal expertise positions him to clarify these boundaries, ensuring nonpartisan decision-making while complying with parliamentary oversight.

Risks of Judicial Interference in Electoral Matters

The Election Petition Tribunal (EPT), established under Section 91 of the Electoral Act, already faces a backlog of over 5,000 cases. Amupitan must advocate for increased funding and personnel to expedite rulings, preventing invalidation of election outcomes. Failure to do so risks accusations of judicial favoritism, undermining his credibility.