The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has passed a vote of confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, amid growing criticisms and calls for his resignation.
The council’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, made the position known on Monday in Abuja, stating that the decision was necessary to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Akinlosotu said the council’s endorsement of the INEC chairman was based on what he described as Amupitan’s commitment to the rule of law and resistance to political pressure.
He noted that the commission’s handling of recent electoral matters, including disputes involving the African Democratic Congress, reflected adherence to judicial processes.
According to him, the current leadership of INEC has strengthened electoral credibility through reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which he said has reduced incidents of electoral malpractice.
He added that the commission’s focus on addressing vote trading indicates a shift towards a more transparent and credible electoral process.
The council also cited recent elections, including the Anambra State governorship poll and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, as evidence of progress under Amupitan’s leadership.
Akinlosotu warned against what he described as unwarranted attacks on the INEC chairman, insisting that compliance with court orders should not be misconstrued as bias.
He urged aggrieved parties, particularly within the ADC, to seek legal redress rather than resort to public campaigns against the commission.
The council further cautioned civil society organisations against participating in planned protests aimed at discrediting INEC, warning that such actions could attract sanctions, including disaffiliation.
It reiterated its support for the commission, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s democratic processes.
