PDP Warns Senate Against Rushed Confirmation of New INEC Chairman
Abuja: Njenje Media News
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Senate against a hasty or politically driven confirmation of the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), warning that any such action could deepen public mistrust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, gave the warning on Friday in Abuja shortly after the inaugural meeting of the Venue Sub-Committee for the PDP 2025 Elective National Convention, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal.
Ologunagba noted that both Nigerians and the international community were closely observing the Senate’s handling of the confirmation process.
“The Senate must not rubber-stamp this nomination. The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process—already under serious public suspicion after the 2023 general elections—now depends on how transparently this confirmation hearing is conducted,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the President has the constitutional right to nominate a candidate through the Council of State, the Senate has a duty to conduct a thorough and credible screening on behalf of the Nigerian people.
Ologunagba emphasized that the integrity of the Senate would be tested through this process.
“Our position as a party has always been to build strong institutions. When institutions work, it matters less who heads them because the systems themselves guarantee accountability,” he explained.
He further stressed the pivotal role of INEC in Nigeria’s democracy, urging the Senate to discharge its responsibility with diligence and transparency.
“INEC is critical to sustaining democracy in Nigeria. We expect the Senate to do its job diligently and in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” Ologunagba added.
