INEC: A new dawn or another cycle?

By: Salawu O. Moses

WHEN Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan raised his hand and took the oath of office as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the moment carried more weight than ceremony. It wasn’t just about a new appointment, it was about the fate of Nigeria’s democracy. In that brief exchange between the President and the new electoral umpire lay the expectations, doubts, and silent prayers of millions of Nigerians. The truth is, Amupitan is stepping into a storm. INEC today stands at the centre of public distrust. Elections, which should be the pride of any democracy, have gradually become a contest of who can outmanoeuvre the system. From failed logistics to disputed results, Nigerians have grown weary. The phrase “your vote counts” sounds more like a slogan than a conviction.

That’s the heavy burden on the new INEC boss, to make Nigerians believe again. It won’t come from lofty speeches or polished press statements. It will come from action: visible, firm, and courageous action. INEC must prove that it is not an extension of any political interest, but the guardian of the people’s will. It must remember that neutrality is not a luxury, it is its very mandate. The coming elections will tell us a lot. Nigerians will not judge Amupitan by his résumé or his academic reputation. They will judge him by whether ballot papers arrive on time, whether the BIVAS machines work, whether results are transmitted honestly, and whether the outcome reflects the people’s choice. That is where his credibility will be tested.

Still, reforming INEC is not just about managing elections. It is about rebuilding an institution. The commission itself needs renewal, a culture shift that prizes integrity above convenience. Staff morale must be restored; transparency must become standard practice. INEC must open its doors more to the media, civil society, and ordinary citizens. A democracy is only as strong as the confidence people have in the system that protects their vote.

But let’s be honest, Amupitan cannot do it alone. The burden of credible elections does not rest on one man. Politicians must learn to play fair. Security agencies must protect voters, not frighten them. Citizens must resist the quick temptation of selling their votes for cash or favour. And the government must fund INEC fully without turning it into a tool of influence. For too long, elections in Nigeria have ended in the courtroom instead of the ballot box. Each cycle leaves behind bitterness, suspicion, and disillusionment. If Professor Amupitan can help change that narrative, even slightly, history will remember him kindly. The oath taken was not just an administrative formality, it was a public covenant. A promise to defend the right of Nigerians to choose freely and to have their voices respected. It is a promise the nation will hold him accountable for.

The question now is simple: will this mark the beginning of a new dawn or just another familiar cycle of promises and disappointment? Time will tell. But for now, Nigerians are watching closely, cautiously, and hopefully.

•Moses writes in from Ibadan.