SDP Urges New INEC Chairman Amupitan to Uphold Integrity and Strengthen Democracy

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to place Nigeria’s national interest above all else and steer the commission toward democratic consolidation.

Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Sadìq Gombe, made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba.

Gombe said the nationwide excitement that greeted Amupitan’s appointment, coupled with widespread commendations describing him as “the right choice” by President Bola Tinubu, reflects public expectations for genuine electoral reforms and transparency.

He urged the INEC chairman to demonstrate leadership by ensuring free, fair, and credible polls in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states—elections he described as litmus tests ahead of the 2027 general polls.

“Given Prof. Amupitan’s impressive background, proven integrity, and competence, we believe he has what it takes to restore public confidence in the electoral system,” Gombe stated. He added that the endorsement by Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, at the recent Council of State meeting, reinforced the belief that Amupitan can transform the current optimism into measurable results.

The SDP further called on Amupitan to uphold the rule of law, respect the independence of political parties, and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs. Gombe also encouraged him to boost staff morale, rebuild public trust in INEC, and strengthen the commission’s credibility through transparency and fairness.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the new chairman would sustain and deepen the electoral reforms initiated by his predecessors, thereby giving democracy a firmer footing in Nigeria.