Amupitan Advocates for Electoral Offences Commission, Whistleblower Policy

Professor Joash Amupitan, the nominee for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.

Amupitan made the call on Thursday during his screening by the Senate to assess his suitability for the INEC chairmanship. He noted that past electoral review committees in successive governments deliberately avoided including provisions for an Electoral Offences Commission and Electoral Offences Tribunal.

The nominee emphasized that INEC currently lacks the legal authority to prosecute electoral offenders outside its own staff, whether permanent or ad hoc. He also proposed a whistleblower policy to encourage citizens to report electoral fraud to relevant authorities.

On financial matters, Amupitan called for full autonomy for INEC. He explained that although the commission is funded through the First Line Charge, the current envelope budgeting system limits its ability to make prompt decisions during elections.

Amupitan further advocated for greater investment in technology, suggesting even the use of drones to enhance INEC’s reach across the country. He promised to embark on comprehensive civic education and capacity-building initiatives involving all stakeholders if confirmed.

However, on the issue of electronic transmission of election results from polling units to INEC’s central server, Amupitan remained non-committal, asserting that the courts should oversee the process, though he acknowledged that it could boost the credibility of elections.