COCSON Urges Tinubu to Reject Partisan INEC Chairman Appointment

COCSON Urges Tinubu to Reject Partisan INEC Chairman Appointment

A coalition of leading civil society organizations in Nigeria has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the reported nomination of Prof. Joseph Olusola Amupitan, SAN, as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging instead for the appointment of an experienced, non-partisan professional from within the electoral body.

The group, under the banner of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COCSON), expressed concern over growing reports suggesting Prof. Amupitan — a prominent legal academic and former counsel to the ruling APC — may be tapped for the critical role. COCSON believes such a move could imperil public trust in INEC and cast doubts on President Tinubu’s long-standing image as a defender of democratic principles.

“Mr. President, your legacy is being carefully written,” said Mrs. Aisha Salami, Executive Director of the Centre for Electoral Integrity, speaking on behalf of the coalition. “An appointment of this magnitude will define your commitment to electoral integrity for generations to come.”

The coalition acknowledged President Tinubu’s democratic credentials and strides made since assuming office but emphasized that the integrity of the nation’s electoral processes must not be compromised by perceived partisanship.

COCSON raised three major concerns over the reported nomination of Prof. Amupitan, citing his past role as lead counsel to the APC and President Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal as potentially undermining his neutrality.

They warned that appointing a close political associate could be perceived as cronyism and a departure from democratic ideals; and highlighting his lack of hands-on experience in managing the complex logistics of national elections despite his legal expertise.

Instead, the coalition proposed that a qualified internal candidate from within INEC’s ranks would best serve the nation’s interest, citing seven compelling advantages including merit, continuity, institutional memory, non-partisanship, and national cohesion.

“By appointing a seasoned professional from within INEC, you, Mr. President, would be hailed as a true statesman who prioritized national interest over personal allegiance,” Salami added.

The coalition concluded with a respectful appeal to President Tinubu to initiate a transparent and inclusive selection process that would strengthen public trust in the electoral commission and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy.

“Do not allow a single appointment to undermine the democratic dividends you are working to deliver. We urge you to choose credibility, and in doing so, secure your legacy as the President who cemented Nigeria’s electoral integrity,” the statement read.