A joint sitting of the national assembly during a budget presentation
The AdvoKC Foundation has called on the national assembly to review the process of appointing members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The NGO also raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Joash Amupitan as chairman of the commission.
On Thursday, the senate confirmed the appointment of Amupitan, a professor and senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as chairman of the commission.
In a statement on Monday, Luqman Adamu, AdvoKC Foundation’s communications manager, criticised the development as a breach of the national assembly’s earlier commitment to reform the commission’s appointment process.
Advertisement
Adamu said the national assembly had previously pledged to review and reform the appointment mechanism to reduce presidential influence and enhance the commission’s independence.
According to him, the current process undermines INEC’s neutrality and public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Adamu said the foundation is urging the national assembly to rescind the confirmation of Amupitan until the promised reforms are completed.
Advertisement
He also urged lawmakers to prioritise amendments to the Electoral Act and relevant constitutional provisions to establish a more transparent, participatory, and independent framework for appointing INEC leadership.
“Prioritise the reform of the Electoral Act and the amendment of relevant constitutional provisions to reflect a more independent and citizen-driven framework for appointing INEC leadership,” the statement reads.
“Ensure that any future appointment aligns with the reformed legal framework, thereby reflecting the legislature’s own vision of a credible and autonomous electoral body.
“The independence of INEC is not merely a procedural matter; it is the bedrock of Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
Advertisement
“To protect it, the legislature must act in accordance with its own promise and the expectations of the Nigerian people.”
