The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has congratulated Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan on his nomination on Thursday by President Bola Tinubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Upon confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), will replace Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has completed two terms of five years each in charge of Africa’s largest electoral commission.
In a statement on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee and members , SDP’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadìq Umar Abubakar Gombe said that ‘as a national political party that promotes true national agenda, the SDP expresses positive and hopeful expectations, and looks forward to working with, and supporting the new chairman to move our democracy forward, but will not relent in its characteristic resilience in standing strong to challenge any form of manifest anti-democracy tendency’.
The statement further read: ‘Going by the nationwide excitement elicited by the news of the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, and the avalanche of commendations from many quarters of the appointment as being the right choice by the president, the party hopes that Prof. Amupitan will give Nigerians real joy in practical terms by prioritizing the true interests of Nigeria and working for democratic consolidation, particularly in the next off-circle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, which will serve as litmus tests for his capacity, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
‘Considering the impressive background of the new chairman, his much-acclaimed pedigree of integrity and competence which was reported to have been enthusiastically alluded to by Governor Ahmed Ododo of his home state when the President presented the name of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, at the Council of State meeting, the SDP is hopeful that the new helmsman will translate the prevailing national excitement to concrete fulfilment by discharging his duty with impeccable integrity and honour, and will build on the notable reforms that were initiated by his predecessor.
‘It is hoped that the new chairman will give rule of law a pride of place, will respect the sovereignty of political parties and the commission will not be medlesome in their internal affairs under his watch, will engender positive spirit by boosting staff morale, improve the negative public rejating of the commission, and will increase its credibility by innovating and benchmarking international best practices, thereby, bringing sustainable transformation to INEC for the good of Nigeria.
‘While commending Professor Mahmood Yakubu, CON, for doing the best he could do, which is largely considered a dismal performance, the party looks forward and prays that the coming of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, will truly be a renewal of hope, and usher in a refreshing experience for Nigerians and Nigeria.
‘The SDP enjoins the political class, civil society, and all Nigerians support the new INEC Chairman.
‘The party prays for Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, the new chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to succeed on this strategic national assignment’.
