Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have urged the Senate to guarantee that the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) for the role of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aired live to the public.
The groups argued that televising the screening would strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizens’ trust in the procedure of appointing the head of the nation’s electoral umpire.
In a statement on Friday, they stressed that, considering INEC’s critical duty in protecting Nigeria’s democracy, citizens deserve to observe and evaluate the integrity, competence, and independence of the nominee being reviewed for such a sensitive position.
The CSOs include Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Centre, The Kukah Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign.
According to the organisations, live coverage would counter any perception of bias or secret dealings while enabling Nigerians to participate more effectively in conversations about electoral reforms and leadership in the electoral body.
“We call on the Senate to ensure that its confirmation hearings are transparent, televised, and inclusive of citizen and civil society input through memoranda, petitions, and participation in the confirmation hearings.
“The Senate should undertake a rigorous examination of his competence, public records, vision for electoral reform, INEC’s institutional strengthening, as well as his capacity to resist political interference and uphold electoral integrity.
“The Senate should also interrogate the nominee’s plans to address systemic challenges, including voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC’s regulations and guidelines.
“Nigerians expect the Senate confirmation process to be open to citizens’ participation in line with the Framework for Citizens’ Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process previously submitted to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organisations.”
”This includes full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, public service history, and capacity to manage elections without political interference,” the statement reads.
While recognising Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional achievements, they stated they hold no objection to his nomination, though they urged him to “demonstrate moral courage and resistance to political interference,” if confirmed by the Senate.
