A coalition of Northern youth groups and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Senate to expedite the confirmation of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The groups, under the aegis of the Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations (CNYO), made the call during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
The coalition also passed a vote of confidence on Amupitan, describing him as a man of integrity and vast legal experience.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ambassador Aliyu Muhammed commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Amupitan and the National Council of State for approving his appointment.
He dismissed what he termed baseless and malicious claims suggesting that Amupitan’s previous roles as lead counsel for various political parties should disqualify him from leading the electoral body.
He said: “We reject in the strongest of terms the baseless claims of disqualification raised by some individuals, citing his previous legitimate engagement as lead counsel for various political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and
Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others, in election petition tribunals at all levels. These claims are motivated by malice and lack merit.
“Professor Amupitan’s impressive academic and professional background guarantees his commitment to impartiality and independence.
“The Constitution of Nigeria does not disqualify individuals who have previously worked with political affiliates as clients from holding the position of INEC Chairman. In fact, his wealth of experience and expertise in law and governance make him an exemplary candidate for the position.
“We, the undersigned groups, unanimously express our vote of confidence in Professor Amupitan and urge the National Assembly to confirm his nomination. We firmly believe that his appointment will strengthen INEC’s independence and impartiality, which are essential for conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
“We call on the National Assembly to confirm Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as INEC Chairman without further delay. We assure Nigerians that Professor Amupitan will uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and impartiality as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
