‘Losers Will Congratulate Winners,’ Says New INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan

• Newly confirmed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to deliver elections so transparent that even losers will congratulate winners.

Nigeria’s newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has pledged to restore full public confidence in the nation’s electoral system by ensuring elections that are “so transparent and credible that even losers will congratulate winners.”

Amupitan made the statement during his Senate screening and confirmation on Thursday, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in accordance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Presiding over the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared that Amupitan’s appointment was unanimously approved, urging him to “go and ensure that votes count.”

Addressing lawmakers, the new INEC boss promised to prioritize transparency, neutrality, and technological innovation in the management of elections. He said his administration would strengthen voter education, improve logistics, and implement safeguards to prevent vote manipulation and ensure every ballot is protected.

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Amupitan also dismissed reports linking him to any political party, stressing:

“The law reports are public and verifiable. I was not part of any legal team representing any political party or candidate in the 2023 elections.”

Before his confirmation, security agencies including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Amupitan, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, brings decades of academic and legal experience to the position. His appointment signals renewed hope for credible, technology-driven elections and a stronger democratic process in Nigeria.