The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has charged the newly–appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to justify the confidence reposed in him by restoring public trust in the country’s electoral system.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, in a congratulatory statement on Thursday, described the appointment as coming at a defining point in the nation’s democratic experience — one that requires “courage, integrity and uncompromising commitment to the rule of law”.

He described Amupitan, a former Dean of Law and an accomplished scholar, as a fit choice whose years of service in academia, advocacy and public engagement had prepared him for the saddle.

“The expectations of Nigerians are huge. They look to him to rebuild and strengthen confidence in the electoral process,” the NBA noted.

The association listed credibility of polls, reliability of technology, public trust and institutional independence as key challenges the new INEC helmsman must address.

It expressed confidence that Amupitan would discharge the constitutional mandate of INEC with “integrity, innovation and fairness”.

Osigwe also said the NBA was ready to work with the commission towards deepening electoral reforms, increasing citizen participation and entrenching transparency and accountability in the system.