New INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan Faces Major Test to Rebuild Voter Trust Ahead of 2027 Elections
Story written by Myra Chinonso October 10,2025
President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral system—one that comes with high expectations and mounting pressure to restore public confidence before the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan, 58, a professor of law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Kogi State. With expertise in Corporate Governance, Company Law, and Evidence Law, he takes over at a time when Nigeria’s electoral credibility is under intense scrutiny following the controversial 2023 polls.
Restoring Credibility After a Controversial Election
The 2023 elections, despite being the most technologically advanced in Nigeria’s history, were marred by BVAS malfunctions, IReV transmission delays, logistical failures, and allegations of bias, which triggered widespread public frustration.
Former INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, introduced innovative tools like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency. However, political interference and poor system management often undermined their effectiveness.
A recent flashpoint came during the Edo State governorship election, where disputes over result collation raised fresh doubts about the commission’s neutrality.
With the next general election barely two years away, analysts warn that Amupitan’s greatest challenge is to rebuild public trust and ensure that future polls reflect the true will of the people.
Calls for Reforms and Transparency
Public policy expert Temitope Musowo said the new INEC chairman must prioritize restoring integrity to the electoral process.
“Professor Amupitan must audit the performance of BVAS and IReV and close the loopholes that politicians exploit,” Musowo told BusinessDay.
“He must prove that he’s not a political appointee but a guardian of Nigeria’s constitution.”
Similarly, Amina Ojei, political analyst at the Centre for Electoral Reforms, emphasized that INEC must urgently implement swift, inclusive, and transparent reforms in partnership with the National Assembly and civil society.
“Closing legal gaps in the Electoral Act, especially around electronic result transmission, is vital to restoring public faith,” she said.
Funding and Independence
A major obstacle to INEC’s effectiveness, according to stakeholders, is limited financial autonomy. Reports suggest that not all funds allocated for the 2023 general elections were released, affecting logistics and transparency.
Former education minister Obiageli Ezekwesili, speaking at a recent webinar, called for direct funding of INEC from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to safeguard the commission’s independence.
“INEC cannot be truly autonomous if it depends on the executive for funding,” Ezekwesili argued.
Technology, Trust, and the 2027 Election
With digital tools now central to Nigeria’s electoral process, Amupitan faces the task of restoring confidence in BVAS and IReV. Analysts warn that without robust cybersecurity, digital integrity, and operational reliability, the 2027 elections could face similar controversies.
Ezekwesili also called for:
- Stronger penalties for electoral offenders,
- Reform in the appointment process for INEC commissioners, and
- Establishment of special election courts to speed up petitions and curb judicial manipulation.
“We need random selection of judges for election cases and strict timelines,” she added.
Winning Back the Youth Vote
The 2023 election cycle saw an unprecedented surge in youth voter registration, largely driven by social media movements. Yet, post-election surveys show growing disillusionment among young Nigerians, many of whom feel their votes no longer count.
Voter turnout, which has been declining for over a decade, could worsen in 2027 unless INEC takes decisive action.
“Youth participation will depend on whether INEC can deliver a credible, transparent process,” said analyst Kunle Okunade. “Improving logistics and communication on election day is essential.”
The Road Ahead
As Amupitan assumes leadership, he inherits a divided electorate, a skeptical public, and an institution struggling to regain legitimacy. His ability to strengthen electoral transparency, ensure financial independence, and guarantee technological reliability will determine INEC’s credibility moving forward.
If he succeeds, Nigeria could witness a renewed faith in democracy. If he fails, the erosion of trust in elections could deepen further—undermining the very foundation of Nigeria’s democratic future.
“The next election will not only test INEC,” Musowo concluded. “It will test the strength of Nigeria’s democracy itself.”
