The Institute for Reliable Elections and the Program for Transparent Leadership have praised the Head of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his clear statement indicating that the time of stealing ballots and altering outcomes has ended.
In a press release published on Wednesday from its spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the organization referred to the Chairman's declaration, delivered during a meeting between the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and INEC offices in Abuja, as a courageous, appropriate, and comforting confirmation of his commitment to ensure fair elections in 2027.
The statement said, 'Professor Amupitan has told Nigerians that the technology currently used by the Commission is robust enough to safeguard each vote in the 2027 general election.'
This is more than just empty talk; it serves as an unmistakable indication that the troubling era of election-related violence has come to an end.
The team, which has been carefully observing the INEC Chairperson's activities since taking up position, showed approval for his intentional measures to shield opposing political groups from the arbitrary decisions, mood swings, and intimidation tactics of the dominant party.
The team highlighted that Amupitan has shown extraordinary bravery and autonomy within institutions in protecting the election procedure from excessive political influence.
As a result, it urged opposing political parties, non-governmental organizations, the press, and every relevant party to stand united with the INEC Chairperson and provide him with the required backing to achieve success.
The group emphasized that many preventable challenges INEC has faced over the years were engineered by political figures who intentionally cause disorder and later accuse the Commission.
The statement further noted, 'If political actors strictly followed the regulations and ceased employing the courts to manipulate elections for personal gain, many of the issues faced by INEC would never occur in the first place.'
The Foundation particularly commended Amupitan for making sure that opposition parties encountering legal issues were still provided with the required codes and the chance to submit their candidates via the INEC website.
"This one act of justice and managerial bravery highlights an individual committed to doing what is correct, despite the political challenges," the organization noted.
Additionally, it was highlighted that Amupitan, an esteemed attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the inaugural chairman of INEC who has contributed to the commission a remarkable blend of extensive organizational understanding and strong legal background.
"This marks a turning point. We believe that with his guidance, INEC will always act appropriately in every situation," the statement mentioned.
The team called on Nigerians to back the INEC head for success instead of criticizing him or making accusations that might erode trust in the voting system.
It urged political figures from every faction to promptly stop behaviors that create unnecessary challenges for INEC staff, or that aim to compromise the fairness and trustworthiness of the voting procedure.
"Nigeria's democracy can't withstand another round of rigged or contested elections. It's now time for all political players to adhere to the regulations, honor the autonomy of INEC, and let the voice of the citizens be heard freely," the declaration ended.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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