Accord to Amupitan: Anambra poll major test to rebuild trust in INEC

Accord Party has asked Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to make the forthcoming Anambra governorship election a benchmark for credibility and transparency.

Amupitan was sworn in as INEC chairman on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Friday, Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord national chairman, congratulated Amupitan on his appointment, citing his “track record and wealth of experience as a legal luminary, esteemed academic, and seasoned administrator”.

Mgbudem described the forthcoming Anambra governorship election as the “first major test” of his Amulitan’s leadership.

“Our great party urges him to discharge his statutory duties without fear or favour as so much is expected of him at this critical period of the nation’s democratic process,” the statement reads.

“The challenges ahead are enormous and will require patriotism and collaboration with critical stakeholders to deliver free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“A major test of the new INEC leadership is the 8th November 2025, Anambra state governorship election. Citizens’ expectations are high. Nigerians want their votes to count in all elections.

“The commission should justify the confidence citizens repose in it. Adequate preparation should be made, ensuring that electoral materials and equipment are ready and functional to avoid technical issues and logistical problems.

“Being the first election to be conducted by Professor Joash Amupitan, all eyes will be on the commission to rate his performance.

“The need to be neutral and provide a level playing field to all the political parties and their candidates participating in the election cannot be overemphasised.

“Its success will inspire confidence in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections, leading to the decisive 2027 general election.

“The party urges Professor Amupitan to consolidate on the innovations introduced by his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and improve on them to deliver credible and acceptable elections.”

Mgbudem added that credibility and acceptability of the Anambra election “will go a long way to rebuild trust in the electoral process and reduce litigations that overheat the polity after elections”.