The newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has pledged to review and strengthen logistics operations during elections to ensure greater efficiency and credibility in future polls.
Speaking on Thursday during his screening before the Senate, Professor Amupitan expressed concern over the deplorable state of vehicles used to transport sensitive electoral materials across the country.
According to him, “Some of the vehicles transporting sensitive materials during elections are in bad shape. This is unacceptable if we truly want credible elections.”
The nominee, who was unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last National Council of State meeting on October 9, recalled a personal experience that highlighted the severity of the logistical challenges faced by INEC officials.
“My wife was a collation officer in 2023. We had to provide a generator because there was no light,” he said, emphasising the urgent need for improved infrastructure and coordination in the conduct of elections.
President Tinubu had, on October 14, formally written to the Senate through Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting the confirmation of Amupitan as the substantive INEC Chairman following the completion of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s two-term tenure.
Amupitan assured lawmakers that if confirmed, his leadership would prioritise logistics reforms, transparency, and technological innovation to enhance electoral credibility.
He stressed that under his watch, INEC would “explore modern solutions and introduce stronger operational frameworks” to eliminate the recurring lapses witnessed during past elections.
The nomination has continued to attract public interest, with stakeholders describing Amupitan’s experience in law and governance as a potential asset to Nigeria’s electoral system.