The Foundation for Credible Elections and Good Governance Initiative has praised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for declaring that ballot box snatching and election result manipulation have become relics of the past.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesman, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the organisation described the remarks, made during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, to the INEC headquarters in Abuja, as a strong and reassuring indication of the Commission’s commitment to delivering credible elections 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 foundation said it had carefully observed the INEC Chairman’s conduct since he assumed office and was encouraged by what it described as deliberate efforts to protect both the Commission and opposition parties from political pressure, intimidation, and undue influence.
According to the group, Professor Amupitan has displayed remarkable independence and courage in safeguarding the electoral system from unnecessary interference by political interests.
It appealed to opposition parties, civil society groups, the media, and other stakeholders to support the INEC Chairman in his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
The statement also argued that many of the recurring challenges faced by INEC over the years have been triggered by political actors who create unnecessary disputes before shifting responsibility to 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 organisation further commended Professor Amupitan for ensuring that opposition parties involved in legal disputes still received the necessary access codes to upload their candidates to 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.
The foundation also highlighted the Chairman’s legal background, noting that as a distinguished lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he brings an uncommon blend of legal expertise and institutional experience to the electoral body.
“This is a game-changer,” the statement said. “We are confident that under his leadership, INEC will do the right thing at all times and in all circumstances.”
The group urged Nigerians to give the INEC Chairman the support needed to succeed instead of making allegations capable of weakening public trust in the electoral process. It also cautioned politicians across party lines against actions that could frustrate election officials or undermine the credibility of future elections.
“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.
