Group endorses Amupitan as INEC chair, seeks restraint

The Okun Development Association has expressed confidence in the appointment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, while calling on Nigerians and political stakeholders to remain calm in their reactions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President General, Ambassador (Chief) Akenson Rotimi, the association praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, describing the decision as merit-based.

The group said the trust placed in Prof. Joash Amupitan is a source of pride for Okunland, Kogi State, and Nigerians who believe public office should be based on integrity and competence.

It added that it fully supports the electoral chairman, pointing to his record and leadership qualities as reasons for its confidence in him.

The statement read: “The Okun Development Association (ODA), on behalf of Okun sons and daughters worldwide, extends sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“We receive this decision as a clear endorsement of competence and character, and as a call to national service anchored on merit.

“ODA declares, without reservations, our unflinching support for Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN as he assumes leadership of INEC at a defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey. His public and academic record reflect uncommon discipline, fidelity to due process, and abiding respect for institutions.

“In every assignment he has handled, Amupitan has shown the temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage required to manage sensitive national duties with fairness and firmness. We are assured that these qualities will guide his stewardship of the Commission.”

The association further highlighted Amupitan’s values and contributions, describing him as a symbol of integrity and service.

“Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN personifies the values Okunland holds dear: honesty, hard work, humility, and service above self. As a scholar, he has raised generations of Nigerians who today serve in critical sectors of our society. As an administrator, he has built systems that outlast individuals. His commitment to strong, impartial institutions is exactly what INEC requires to consolidate public trust.

“We are confident that under his leadership, the Commission will discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, and that his tenure will strengthen the credibility of our electoral process,” the statement added.

While acknowledging that the position would attract scrutiny, ODA urged stakeholders to channel grievances through appropriate means.

“ODA is mindful that the office of INEC Chairman will always attract intense public scrutiny. While such scrutiny is part of democracy, we respectfully remind all stakeholders, political actors, and concerned citizens that Nigeria’s constitutional order provides established channels for resolving disputes. We therefore urge any aggrieved parties to ventilate their concerns through the appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.

“We call for restraint in public commentary and ask all Nigerians to grant Prof. Amupitan the calm and institutional space needed to serve the nation with neutrality, courage and desired results,” the group said.

Reaffirming its commitment to national unity and democratic stability, the group expressed confidence in both the appointee and the administration.

“The Okun Development Association reaffirms its commitment to national unity, democratic stability, and the success of the Tinubu administration.

“We assure the President and the Nigerian people that Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN will discharge his responsibilities with honour, bringing credibility and candour to his office, to Okunland, and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The group also appealed to Nigerians to pray for and support the INEC chairman as he undertakes the national assignment.

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