By Seyi Odewale
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to stand firm and resist what he described as the “looming intimidation and orchestrated blackmail” from opposition parties ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle and general elections.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker and member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, gave the charge on Sunday in Osogbo, warning that any compromise by the electoral umpire could jeopardise the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
He said Amupitan’s leadership of INEC comes at a critical juncture when the Commission’s impartiality and resilience will be tested, particularly in the November 2025 Anambra governorship election and the 2026 polls in Ekiti and Osun States, which he described as litmus tests for the nation’s electoral integrity.
“All eyes are on the new INEC boss, and I want to advise him to stay focused and resist all forms of pressure that could undermine the integrity of the Commission,” Oyintiloye said.
“Those who lost elections will continue to undermine the Commission for their personal gain, but Amupitan must fear no one. He must apply the rules without favour.”
The APC stalwart cautioned that opposition elements often resort to propaganda and political manipulation to discredit credible elections, and urged Amupitan to “ignore the noise and do what is right in the eyes of the law.”
He noted that the credibility of the electoral process will depend on INEC’s ability to maintain neutrality and withstand intimidation from all quarters.
“Amupitan must not succumb to undue pressure or harassment. Nigerians are watching. He must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and courage in the discharge of his duties,” he stated.
Oyintiloye also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he called a “strategic and confidence-boosting appointment,” noting that Amupitan’s academic pedigree and track record as a legal scholar show that he has the intellectual depth and moral fortitude to sanitise Nigeria’s electoral process.
“President Tinubu has once again shown discernment in appointing a man of honour and competence. Amupitan must now justify this trust by building a culture of transparency and strengthening public confidence in the Commission,” Oyintiloye added.
He maintained that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on the independence of the electoral umpire and the courage of its leadership to enforce the law without bias.
