INEC Chairman Calls for Collective Commitment to Elections

On Monday, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Osogbo, Osun, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asserted that credible elections depend on the collective commitment of political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organizations, and citizens.

He warned that electoral violence, vote-buying, misinformation, and other malpractices threaten Nigeria’s democratic process. Amupitan described free and fair elections as essential for democratic governance, ensuring citizens' rights to choose leaders and promoting accountability.

He mentioned reforms by INEC, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and enhanced voter education. However, he stressed that technology alone cannot ensure credible elections without integrity and responsible political leadership.

He called for stronger enforcement of electoral laws and civic education to combat challenges like vote-buying and political violence. Amupitan encouraged political parties to uphold internal democracy and urged Nigerians, especially youth, to engage in the electoral process and hold leaders accountable.

Chief Shuaib Oyedokun praised the book "Winning Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria" as a significant contribution to democratic development.