The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Tuesday outlined a reform-driven agenda focused on electoral reforms, infrastructure development, deployment of technology and voter education, as he held his first interactive meeting with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters since assuming office.
The meeting took place on December 16, 2025, at Room 107 of the Senate New Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. It marked Professor Amupitan’s maiden formal engagement with the committee and was attended by all National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission and technical aides.
While speaking at the session, the INEC Chairman said, strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system would require close collaboration with the National Assembly, particularly in the ongoing process of constitutional and electoral amendments. He stressed that INEC is empowered to conduct elections and issue regulations, its actions must remain consistent with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Amupitan disclosed that one of the earliest tests of his leadership was the Anambra State governorship election held on November 8, 2025, which he said was successfully concluded in a single day. He attributed the outcome to improved logistics, inter-agency cooperation and the support of the National Assembly and other stakeholders, adding that the exercise provided critical lessons for future elections.
He identified electoral infrastructure and technology deployment as key areas requiring sustained investment, saying that technology must be applied in a manner that enhances transparency, credibility and inclusiveness without undermining due process or constitutional boundaries.
The INEC Chairman also placed strong emphasis on voter education, describing informed citizen participation as central to the credibility of elections. He noted that preparations for upcoming polls, including the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and other off-cycle elections scheduled for 2026, are closely tied to the timely passage of electoral reforms by the legislature.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, congratulated Professor Amupitan on his appointment and described the interactive session as a critical step toward strengthening democratic institutions.
Senator Lalong said INEC occupies a central position in shaping public confidence in governance, stressing that credible elections remain the foundation of democratic legitimacy. He assured the Commission of the committee’s readiness to provide legislative support, budgetary backing and constructive oversight.
He emphasized that the committee’s oversight role would not interfere with INEC’s constitutional independence, noting that the engagement was designed to promote open dialogue, accountability and institutional collaboration.
Other members of the committee present at the meeting include Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tony Nwoye, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Emma Nwachukwu, Kelvin Chukwu and Sun
day Katum.
