By our correspondent
Convener of Integrity and Transparency Alliance (ITA) Isaiah Davies Ijele has extended warm congratulations to the newly appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ijele emphasised the critical need for Prof Amupitan to uphold utmost integrity and transparency in steering Nigeria’s electoral processes, adding that the lack of it in the past has drastically undermined the people’s trust leading to gross apathy in the electoral system.
“I congratulate Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan on his well-deserved appointment as INEC Chairman. We at Integrity and Transparency Alliance (ITA) urge him to chart a bold course marked by transparency, fairness, and accountability – traits sorely missed in past electoral cycles,” *Isaiah Davies Ijele* stated emphatically.
Ijele cautioned Prof Amupitan against repeating pitfalls that led predecessors to face intense public scrutiny and legal challenges.
“The mistakes of the past – marked by controversies, opaque processes, and disputed outcomes – must not be replayed. Nigerians deserve elections that reflect true democratic values. We implore Prof Amupitan to prioritise *
credibility, inclusiveness, and technological innovation in electoral management,” Ijele said.
The ITA convener highlighted pressing areas needing urgent attention, including voter registration reforms, securing electronic voting systems, and transparent electoral dispute mechanisms.
“With Nigeria at a pivotal moment, INEC must lead with integrity. This means ensuring voter lists are clean, voting processes are secure, and results are verifiable. The era of electoral doubts must give way to citizen trust,” Ijele stressed.
Prof Amupitan’s appointment comes amid heightened calls for electoral reforms in Nigeria. Integrity and Transparency Alliance pledged to closely monitor INEC’s activities, offering constructive engagement where necessary.
“We stand ready to collaborate with INEC in promoting electoral best practices. Together, we can build elections worthy of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
“By prioritising integrity, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan can indeed turn a new leaf in Nigeria’s electoral narrative – a step millions of Nigerians eagerly await,” Ijele concluded.