By Vincent Egunyanga and Anthony Otaru, Abuja
Legal and civil society groups have raised serious concerns over inconsistencies in the profile of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They urge the Senate to conduct a transparent and comprehensive screening before confirmation.
President Bola Tinubu had last week announced Amupitan’s nomination following the expiration of Prof Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, with the National Council of State subsequently endorsing the appointment.
But the move has since generated controversy among legal experts, who insist that several grey areas in the nominee’s academic and professional history must be clarified before approval.
Lagos-based lawyer Dr Dayo Osifeso described parts of the official CV released by the Presidency as “riddled with inconsistencies.”
He pointed out that Amupitan was said to have attended Kwara State Polytechnic between 1982 and 1984 at the age of 15 and reportedly obtained a law degree from the University of Jos in just three years (1984–1987), despite law being a five-year course in Nigerian universities.
“There’s also the claim that he became Head of Department and Dean of Law before or immediately after earning his PhD in 2007, a timeline that doesn’t align with standard academic progression,” Osifeso added.
A former Baze University lecturer and governance analyst, Prof Sam Amadi, also urged the Senate to “verify every claim with painstaking scrutiny.”
According to him, “Nigerians are tired of recurring scandals over forged certificates and falsified qualifications. The credibility of INEC begins with the credibility of its Chairman.”
An Abuja-based constitutional lawyer, Eze Onyekpere, criticised what he described as the President’s “pattern of politically tilted appointments,” warning that such practices deepen public mistrust.
“INEC should be independent in both structure and perception. The Chairman must not be seen as a political ally of those in power,” he said.
Civil society groups, led by the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOS), also emphasised the need for impartiality and transparency.
Its President, Bartholomew Okoudo, outlined expectations for the new INEC leadership, including electoral reforms, greater use of technology, and renewed efforts to restore public confidence in the voting process.
Despite the outcry, legislative insiders suggest that Amupitan’s confirmation may still sail through smoothly, given the All Progressives Congress (APC) ’s dominance in the Senate.
But political observers warn that a rushed or superficial screening could erode confidence in the nation’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Senate must demonstrate integrity this time,” Amadi stressed. “If doubts persist about the INEC chairman’s record, the credibility of our democracy will again be in jeopardy.”
