Amupitan Pledges 2023 Election Audit, Vows Transparent INEC Leadership

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, on Thursday pledged to conduct a comprehensive audit of the commission, with particular focus on the logistics deployed during the 2023 general elections.

Amupitan, a Professor of Law, made the announcement during his screening by the Senate Committee of the Whole, outlining a reform-focused agenda aimed at restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

He revealed that the audit would help identify systemic challenges and inform practical solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. Among his key initiatives are the establishment of an internal ethics committee, the introduction of a whistleblower policy, strict enforcement of accountability, and the use of technology, including drones, to strengthen election logistics and security.

Quoting the Supreme Court, Amupitan clarified that INEC’s Results Viewing Portal was not part of the official results collation system during the 2023 elections, a fact he said had not been clearly communicated to Nigerians.

“If confirmed, trust and ethical conduct will be the foundation of my administration. We will pursue every complaint, follow through on past grievances, and ensure accountability at all levels,” he said.

Amupitan also indicated plans to work with the National Assembly to establish an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes. He noted that INEC currently lacks the institutional capacity for such functions.

“Legislative support is essential for creating an electoral offences commission capable of thorough investigations, including forensic analyses. We will also implement a whistleblowing policy to expose malpractice,” he added.

On election security, the INEC boss promised innovative measures to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised, including the deployment of drones to reach remote areas.

“There will be no voter left behind. Security remains a priority, and we will work closely with the security committee to strengthen vulnerable areas,” he said.