By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
A coalition of leading civil society organisations working on democracy and elections in Nigeria and across Africa has called on the Nigerian Senate to ensure a transparent and citizen-inclusive screening process for the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).
The groups made the call in a joint statement made available to The Hope following the announcement of Professor Amupitan’s nomination by the Presidency after consultation with the Council of State.
While acknowledging the academic and professional accomplishments of the nominee, the coalition stressed that the Council of State’s approval does not replace the Senate’s constitutional duty to conduct a thorough and transparent confirmation process that inspires public trust.
The statement read in part:“We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive and citizens-centred appointment process consistent with the recommendations of key electoral reform interventions like the Justice Uwais Report, the Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reforms.”
The organisations noted that Nigeria’s electoral process demands a “fiercely independent INEC, immune to political manipulation and unwavering in its commitment to credible elections.”
They urged the Senate to conduct televised confirmation hearings that allow citizens and civil society groups to submit memoranda, petitions and participate meaningfully in the process.
Among their key demands were: A transparent and participatory confirmation hearing process, rigorous examination of the nominee’s competence, record and capacity to resist political interference, a clear plan to tackle systemic electoral challenges such as voter registration, result transmission and enforcement of INEC’s guidelines.
The statement also emphasised that Nigerians expect openness and accountability in the confirmation process, in line with the framework for citizens engagement in the INEC appointment process previously submitted to the senate.
The joint statement was signed by the following organisations:Yiaga Africa; Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA); International Press Centre (IPC); The Kukah Centre; Centre for Media and Society; TAF Africa; African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD); Nigeria Women Trust Fund; Accountability Lab, Nigeria and YERP Naija Campaign.