CSO hails Amupitan’s statement against ballot box snatching, result manipulation

The Foundation for Credible Elections and Good Governance Initiative has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his unequivocal declaration that the era of ballot box snatching and result manipulation is over.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Spokesman, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the group described the Chairman’s pronouncement which he made during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, to INEC headquarters in Abuja, as a bold, timely, and reassuring affirmation of his readiness to deliver credible polls in 2027.

“Professor Amupitan has informed Nigerians that the technology now deployed by the Commission is strong enough to protect every vote in the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.

“This is not mere rhetoric; it is a clear signal that the dark days of electoral brigandage are behind us.”

The group, which has closely monitored the INEC Chairman’s actions since assuming office, expressed satisfaction with his deliberate efforts to insulate even opposition parties from the whims, caprices, and threats of the ruling party.

The group noted that Amupitan has demonstrated uncommon courage and institutional independence in shielding the electoral process from undue political interference.

It, therefore, called on opposition parties, civil society organisations, the media, and all stakeholders to rally behind the INEC Chairman and give him the necessary support to succeed.

The group stressed that most of the avoidable crises INEC has had to contend with over the years were orchestrated by political actors who deliberately create chaos and then turn around to blame the Commission.

“If political players would simply abide by the rules of the game and stop using the judiciary to arm-twist the electoral process for selfish ends, a significant number of the challenges confronting INEC would not arise in the first place,” the statement added.

The Foundation specifically applauded Amupitan for ensuring that opposition parties facing legal challenges were still granted the necessary codes and opportunity to upload their candidates on the INEC portal.

“This singular act of fairness and administrative courage demonstrates a man who is determined to do the right thing, even when it is politically inconvenient,” the group observed.

It further noted that Amupitan, a distinguished lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the first INEC Chairman to bring to the Commission such a rich combination of deep institutional knowledge and robust legal experience.

“This is a game-changer. We are confident that under his leadership, INEC will do the right thing at all times and in all circumstances,” the statement said.

The group urged Nigerians to support the INEC Chairman to succeed rather than malign him or cast aspersions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

It warned political actors across all divides to immediately desist from actions that make the work of INEC officials unnecessarily difficult, or that seek to undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford another cycle of manipulated or disputed elections. The time has come for every political actor to play by the rules, respect the independence of INEC, and allow the will of the people to prevail without hindrance,” the statement concluded.