INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, has reaffirmed that elections in Nigeria must be won at polling units and not in courtrooms, stressing the commission’s firm commitment to credible, transparent, and people-driven electoral processes. Speaking at a national stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the true reflection of democracy lies in the ballot, not judicial interventions. He explained that while the courts play a constitutional role in resolving electoral disputes, the integrity of elections begins and ends with the sanctity of votes cast by citizens.
Prof. Amupitan noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission has implemented several reforms to ensure that votes count and outcomes are free from manipulation. According to him, INEC’s use of technology—particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Result Viewing Portal (IReV)—is aimed at closing loopholes that previously allowed electoral fraud and post-election litigations. He emphasized that the goal is to make every voter confident that their ballot will directly influence who wins or loses.
Prof. Amupitan urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to focus more on winning the trust of voters at the grassroots rather than relying on post-election legal technicalities. He maintained that political victories should reflect popular mandate, not courtroom rulings, adding that INEC would continue to strengthen operational transparency ahead of future elections.
Prof. Amupitan Warns Politicians Against Weaponizing the Judiciary
Prof. Amupitan cautioned politicians against the growing trend of weaponizing the judiciary as an alternative route to power. He lamented that many political actors have developed a dangerous culture of neglecting the electorate during campaigns while hoping to “win through litigation” after elections. The INEC boss stated that such practices undermine public trust and weaken democratic values.
Prof. Amupitan reminded the political class that election petitions should be an exception, not the norm. He asserted that when elections are conducted fairly and transparently, and when political parties play by the rules, the number of litigations will drastically reduce. He called on party agents, observers, and civil society organizations to prioritize accountability during the voting process, saying that democracy must reflect the collective will of the people.
Prof. Amupitan further challenged Nigeria’s judiciary to uphold impartiality and resist political pressure in adjudicating election-related cases. According to him, the commission respects the courts but insists that the ultimate goal is to make elections so credible that very few outcomes need to be challenged.
Prof. Amupitan Outlines INEC’s Next Steps for Electoral Reforms
Prof. Amupitan announced that INEC will soon roll out new measures to enhance election logistics, personnel training, and result transmission transparency. He revealed that the commission is reviewing post-election reports from across the 36 states and the FCT to identify challenges and implement corrective actions before the next major polls. He added that INEC is determined to deepen its engagement with stakeholders, including the media, security agencies, and civil society, to promote voter education and prevent misinformation.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that one of INEC’s major priorities is to address the issue of voter apathy, which has continued to weaken participation in Nigeria’s democratic process. He stated that the commission would intensify nationwide sensitization campaigns to assure Nigerians that their votes truly matter.
Prof. Amupitan concluded by reiterating that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on collective responsibility—of voters, parties, and institutions alike. He called on Nigerians to see elections not as a do-or-die affair but as an opportunity to build a stronger, fairer, and more accountable nation.
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