The nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has vowed that under his leadership, no voter in Nigeria will be left out of the electoral process — even if it means deploying drones and advanced technology to reach remote and insecure areas.
Speaking during his Senate screening on Thursday, Amupitan said one of his top priorities would be to overcome the perennial challenges of logistics and security that often disenfranchise voters during elections.
“No voter will be left behind,” he declared. “We will invest in logistics and technology — and where necessary, deploy drones with adequate safeguards — to ensure election materials and personnel reach every part of Nigeria safely and on time.”
Amupitan, a Professor of Law and former university administrator, said he was determined to modernise operational framework to ensure inclusivity and efficiency.
He assured lawmakers that his administration would work closely with the Joint Committee on Election Security to address threats that hinder smooth electoral operations, particularly in hard-to-reach or conflict-prone areas.
Beyond technology, Amupitan emphasised voter and civic education as the cornerstone of credible elections. He said INEC under his watch would embark on an extensive national enlightenment campaign to improve understanding of democratic processes among citizens.
“We will embark on aggressive civic and voter education across the country,” he said. “INEC will build the capacity not only of its staff but also of all election stakeholders — including political parties, their members, civil society organisations, and the electorate.”
He said the Commission would perform this role as mandated by Section 2 of the Electoral Act, which assigns INEC the responsibility of educating citizens on electoral procedures and democracy.
According to him, strengthening stakeholder knowledge would help reduce election-day irregularities and foster citizens’ confidence in the process.
“When people understand the process, they are less likely to be manipulated or discouraged. Our goal is to build an informed electorate that participates fully and freely,” he noted.
Amupitan also reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability, adding that INEC would strictly comply with existing financial and procurement laws to ensure judicious use of public funds.
“We will enforce all financial laws to the letter,” he said. “Every kobo released to the Commission will be used for the purpose for which it is appropriated.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, commended Amupitan’s clarity of vision and directed that he take note of senators’ questions for detailed responses.
Amupitan’s nomination comes at a time of growing public demand for electoral reforms and institutional credibility ahead of future general elections.
