Appointment of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman, Future of Nigerian Elections in 2027

By Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor

As Nigeria approaches its next general elections in 2027, the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) marks a significant turning point.

His emergence at the helm of Nigeria’s most critical democratic institution raises hopes and questions: Can a legal scholar and respected academic help steer Nigeria toward more credible elections? What does this mean for the future of electoral integrity, democratic consolidation, and political stability in Nigeria?

This article presents an imperative analysis of Prof. Amupitan’s appointment, his credentials, the challenges he inherits, and the possible future of Nigerian elections under his leadership.

Background: Who is Prof. Joash Amupitan?

Professor Joash Amupitan is a renowned legal scholar, professor of law at the University of Jos, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

He holds an LLB, LLM, and PhD in Law, and has spent over three decades in academia and legal practice. His areas of expertise include Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Human Rights, and Governance.

A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNIJOS and Pro-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Prof. Amupitan brings with him a track record of academic excellence, administrative leadership, and professional integrity.

Crucially, he is widely regarded as politically neutral, which may be his most valuable attribute in such a high-stakes national role.

The political context of his appointment

His nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequent approval by the Council of State came at a time when Nigeria is reeling from contentious electoral cycles, disputed results, and growing public disillusionment with the electoral process.

While some civil society groups and opposition figures have cautiously welcomed the appointment, others remain skeptical, urging the new INEC boss to demonstrate independence from partisan influence.

The 2023 elections, while technologically advanced in some respects, were marred by logistical issues, result transmission delays, and allegations of manipulation. Prof. Amupitan’s primary task, therefore, is not only to manage elections but to restore public trust in INEC as an impartial umpire.

Challenges ahead for INEC and Prof. Amupitan

Rebuilding institutional credibility

Public confidence in INEC has declined. Many Nigerians view the institution as compromised or ineffective. Prof. Amupitan must lead efforts to re-establish INEC’s reputation as neutral, competent, and transparent.

Logistical & operational preparedness

From the distribution of sensitive election materials to real-time result collation, operational efficiency is crucial. Inadequate staffing, late arrivals of materials, and equipment malfunctions have plagued past elections. Reforming logistics and infrastructure is imperative.

Ensuring technological integrity

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results were hailed as milestones, but glitches and inconsistent application in 2023 dented public faith. Prof. Amupitan must ensure technology is deployed consistently and transparently.

Addressing electoral violence & insecurity

Widespread insecurity — banditry in the North-West, separatist unrest in the South-East, and political thuggery — threatens voter turnout and staff safety. Working with security agencies while maintaining INEC’s independence will be a delicate but vital task.

Legal preparedness and electoral dispute resolution

Amupitan’s legal background positions him well to navigate the increasingly litigious nature of Nigerian elections. He must prioritize pre-election dispute resolution, training of INEC lawyers, and strict adherence to legal frameworks to reduce post-election litigations.

Opportunities: Why Amupitan’s appointment could be a turning point

Fresh leadership with legal acumen

Amupitan’s legal expertise could enhance INEC’s legal and procedural robustness. His experience in academia and governance could foster a more accountable and professional electoral commission.

Regional and political balance

As the first INEC chairman from the North-Central region (Kogi State), his appointment adds to the regional balance of national institutions. It may also reduce perceptions of ethnic favoritism in electoral management.

Potential for reform-oriented leadership

Amupitan has no known partisan political history — a rarity for such appointments. This creates a window for reform, especially in areas like recruitment of ad-hoc staff, campaign finance monitoring, and internal auditing of INEC processes.
Scenario Analysis: What Could 2027 Look Like?

Strategic imperatives before 2027

To avoid the worst-case scenario and achieve the best possible outcome, the following imperatives are non-negotiable:

Develop and publish an electoral reform roadmap (2025–2026)
INEC should clearly articulate its reform goals, timelines, and performance indicators.

Engage stakeholders broadly and frequently

Continuous dialogue with political parties, CSOs, youth groups, and international observers will reduce suspicion and increase legitimacy.

Upgrade and audit electoral technology systems

INEC must collaborate with tech partners, cybersecurity experts and ensure redundancy in election tech.

Train and vet electoral officers intensively

Transparent recruitment and training processes for ad-hoc and permanent staff are essential to minimize internal sabotage.

Work closely but independently with security agencies

Security arrangements must be professional and depoliticized. INEC must retain control over the timing and coordination of electoral events.

Ennforce campaign and finance rules without fear

INEC must track campaign spending and clamp down on vote buying, illegal funding, and electoral manipulation.

Maintain continuous communication with the public

A strong PR strategy with regular press briefings, dashboards, and public information campaigns will counter disinformation.

Conclusion
The appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman offers both promise and peril.

His reputation, legal expertise, and non-partisan image could reset Nigeria’s electoral trajectory — but only if matched by bold reforms, institutional independence, and political courage.

As Nigeria marches toward 2027, the stakes have never been higher. A successful election could strengthen national unity, enhance Nigeria’s democratic credentials, and renew citizen faith in the ballot.

A failure, however, could deepen distrust, heighten political instability, and undermine the democratic project.

The road to 2027 begins now — and history will judge Prof. Amupitan by how he uses this moment.

Nwafor, Executive Director, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Nigeria
A political analyst and Good Governance Advocate, and Human Rights Activist