The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to prove his loyalty to Nigerians by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party described Amupitan’s appointment as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, urging him to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and resist political interference.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who spoke in Abuja, said the party was adopting a cautious approach toward the appointment, as little was yet known about the new electoral chief.

“We still don’t know much about him, so there’s a limit to how seriously we can react at this time,” Abdullahi said.

He, however, expressed optimism that Amupitan would rise above partisan expectations and serve the people faithfully.

“We hope he proves loyal to the Nigerian people and not to the government. His appointment gives him a chance to write his name in gold as the INEC Chairman who delivered credible elections, not as a stooge of the ruling party,” he stated.

The ADC noted that its cautious stance reflects widespread public concern over the independence of Nigeria’s electoral institutions, adding that Amupitan’s tenure will be a major test of his integrity and commitment to democratic values.

Abdullahi’s remarks followed the Council of State’s approval of Prof. Amupitan’s nomination as INEC Chairman earlier on Thursday.