The coalition of Northern groups under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students has declared its total support for the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The coalition, which includes the Arewa Youth Movement (AYM), Arewa Youth Congress (AYC), North Central Youth Council (NCYC), Northern Youth Council (NYC), and the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), issued a collective vote of confidence in Professor Amupitan, urging the National Assembly to confirm his nomination “without further delay.”
The groups made the declaration on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a national press conference organized to announce their vote of confidence in the nominee and to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as a “bold and patriotic” appointment.
Addressing journalists at the conference, the spokesperson for the coalition stated that the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan represents a decisive step toward consolidating Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring electoral transparency.
“We the undersigned Northern groups, representing millions of patriotic Nigerians, have gathered today to express our unwavering support for Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new INEC Chairman,” the statement read. “We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating a man of integrity, intellect, and experience, and the National Council of State for approving his appointment.”
Rejecting allegations of bias against the INEC nominee, the groups dismissed claims that his previous legal representation of political parties such as the APC, PDP, LP, and SDP should disqualify him. The groups strongly rejected what they termed “baseless and malicious claims” by certain individuals and organizations who argued that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s past legal engagements with various political parties could compromise his impartiality.
According to the coalition, those raising objections have demonstrated a lack of understanding of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 153 and 154 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outline the procedure for appointing the INEC Chairman.
“The Constitution does not disqualify individuals who have represented political parties or candidates in court from serving as INEC Chairman,” the coalition noted. “Such claims are not only legally unfounded but also a deliberate attempt to politicize a constitutionally guided process.”
The Northern groups emphasized that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s record as a respected academic, legal practitioner, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria places him among the most qualified Nigerians to lead the electoral body.
They added that his professional experience, deep understanding of constitutional law, and unwavering commitment to justice and fairness would help strengthen INEC’s independence and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
“Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has built a reputation over decades as a man of integrity and competence,” the statement continued. “His leadership will ensure that the principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency remain at the core of Nigeria’s elections.”
The groups further called on the National Assembly to expedite the confirmation process, urging lawmakers to rise above political sentiments and act in the national interest.
“We call on the Senate President and members of the National Assembly to confirm Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan without delay,” they said. “There is no better candidate for this critical role. His appointment will reinforce INEC’s independence and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and an appeal to citizens to support the new INEC leadership in ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria, long live INEC, and long live our democracy,” the coalition declared.
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