INEC Chairman Amupitan sets agenda to curb pre-election litigations, strengthen party democracy

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has identified the reduction of pre-election litigations as one of his top priorities in office.

According to The Guardian, the electoral body handled over 1,000 pre-election cases ahead of the 2023 general elections — a situation Prof. Amupitan described as unsustainable.

Speaking at the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), held at the University of Abuja on Monday, the INEC boss emphasised the need for stronger internal party democracy, strict adherence to electoral laws, and early dispute resolution mechanisms to curb the growing number of electoral cases.

“If political parties follow their constitutions and comply fully with the Electoral Act, the number of pre-election litigations will drastically decline,” Amupitan stated.

He also called on the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral legal framework to guarantee credible and transparent elections, adding:

“My desire is that if we get the law right, even the losers will congratulate the winner. Once that happens, electoral litigations — especially pre-election cases — will reduce significantly.”

Prof. Amupitan, who assumed office last week after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu as the sixth substantive INEC Chairman, noted that while the move may not please some legal practitioners, it is essential for restoring fairness within political parties and ensuring that election outcomes truly reflect the will of the people.

Describing the NALT conference as “a gathering of brilliant minds,” he encouraged young law lecturers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, reminding them of their vital role in strengthening justice, democracy, and the rule of law.

The three-day conference, themed “Law, National Development and Economic Sustainability in a Globalised World,” brought together law teachers, jurists, policymakers, students, and practitioners nationwide.

Earlier, NALT President and Dean of Law at the University of Ibadan, Prof. John Akintayo, underscored the importance of law in driving inclusive growth, good governance, and economic resilience. He urged policymakers to modernise outdated laws, strengthen institutions, and enhance legal education to meet global standards while safeguarding national interests.

Conference Chairman, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja, noted that plenary sessions would cover key issues including agriculture and food security, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and legal reforms.

Prof. Amupitan attended the event alongside his wife, Prof. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, a fellow academic and member of NALT’s Board of Trustees.