ADC to Amupitan: Serve Nigerians, Not the Ruling Party
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to place the interests of Nigerians above those of the ruling party as he takes charge of the nation’s electoral body.
The party described Amupitan’s appointment as a historic opportunity to build a legacy of integrity by conducting free, fair, and credible elections — rather than becoming an instrument of political control.
In an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Abuja on Thursday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party is adopting a cautious stance toward the new appointment since little is yet known about Amupitan’s background and disposition.
“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 the new INEC boss would assert his independence by remaining loyal to the Nigerian electorate rather than the government that appointed him.
“We hope he proves loyal to Nigerians and not to the government. His nomination and appointment present a unique chance to make history as the INEC Chairman who delivered credible elections, not as a stooge of the ruling party. That is our preliminary comment,” he added.
The ADC’s remarks mirror growing public anxiety about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral institutions under successive administrations. The party stressed that Amupitan’s conduct in office will be a crucial test of his integrity and commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic process.
Abdullahi’s comments followed the Council of State’s approval earlier on Thursday of Prof. Amupitan’s nomination as the new INEC Chairman.
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