INEC Chairman-Designate, Amupitan, Vows to Audit 2023 Election Logistics, Pushes for Electoral Offences Commission

The nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has pledged to undertake a comprehensive audit of the Commission, particularly focusing on the logistics and operational challenges that marred the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during his screening before the Senate Committee of the Whole on Thursday, Amupitan vowed to identify systemic weaknesses within INEC’s electoral management processes and work closely with relevant stakeholders to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

He noted that the audit would not only evaluate the 2023 polls but also serve as a blueprint for reforming election logistics, staff capacity, and technology deployment across future elections.

> “We must understand what went wrong and why it went wrong. Only through a thorough audit can we strengthen the credibility and independence of INEC,” he said.

Referencing a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the legal status of the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV), Amupitan explained that the portal was not part of the official results collation system — a fact that many Nigerians were unaware of during the elections.

> “A lot of people thought IREV was part of the collation system, but the Supreme Court has made it clear that it is not. Unfortunately, this was not properly communicated to the public,” he said.

Amupitan also emphasized the urgent need for the creation of a National Electoral Offences Commission, stating that INEC currently lacks the institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes effectively.

> “INEC does not have the capacity for investigation and prosecution at the moment. We need a dedicated body to handle that responsibility,” he asserted.

Political observers have described Amupitan’s position as a bold step toward transparency and reform, particularly at a time when Nigerians continue to question the credibility of the 2023 elections and the integrity of the nation’s democratic institutions.

If confirmed, Amupitan’s tenure may mark the beginning of what analysts describe as a “reset era” for Nigeria’s electoral umpire — one driven by accountability, innovation, and renewed public trust.