INEC Chair Amupitan Pledges ‘Electoral Justice’ To Reduce Post-Election Court Cases
BY GLORY UGOBA
THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting “electoral justice” across Nigeria, saying it remains the surest path to reducing post-election litigations.
Amupitan made this known in an interview with journalists in Awka, Anambra State, where he emphasized that free, fair, and transparent elections would inspire trust among contestants and minimize disputes over election outcomes.
‘Our goal is to make every candidate accept the result’
The INEC boss explained that while every candidate has the constitutional right to seek redress in court, the Commission’s goal is to conduct elections so transparent that no contestant feels cheated or shortchanged.
“One of the things I want to introduce in this country is electoral justice — so that if you lose, you know you have lost,” Amupitan said.
“When a person feels cheated by INEC or by undue advantage through security agents, they are likely to go to court. But if everyone believes justice has been done, many will accept the outcome.”
He stressed that although access to justice is a constitutional right, the best way to reduce court cases is to ensure fairness at every stage of the electoral process.
No perfect election, but near-perfection is possible
Professor Amupitan acknowledged that no election is completely flawless but noted that Nigeria could achieve “near-perfect elections” that would stand legal scrutiny.
“We have seen elections overturned, sometimes rightly or wrongly. What we must do is comply so strictly with the law that the tribunal or court has no discretion to change the result,” he stated.
He added that when elections are conducted strictly within the law, even losing candidates would think twice before filing petitions.
High cost of litigation a burden to candidates and INEC
The INEC Chairman lamented the high cost of election litigations, which often span from election tribunals to the Court of Appeal. He said that some petitions were so weak that the petitioners themselves withdrew them after reviewing INEC’s defense.
“We once handled a petition that was withdrawn immediately after the petitioner saw our reply. That shows the importance of thoroughness and legal compliance,” he recalled.
Amupitan noted that when stakeholders see that INEC is serious about integrity, professionalism, and fairness, the number of election petitions would naturally decline.
Plans to penalize frivolous election cases
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission was already working on proposals to amend the Electoral Act, introducing penalties for frivolous election petitions.
“If you go to court on a frivolous matter, you should pay a penalty and refund any cost INEC incurred in defending the case. Once this is in place, unnecessary court cases will reduce,” he said.
Focus on inclusivity and logistics reform
Beyond litigation, Amupitan said his leadership would focus on improving inclusivity, particularly for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and strengthening logistics operations during elections.
“Transport logistics will no longer be taken for granted. We are now requesting detailed data — drivers’ names, phone numbers, and vehicle inspections — to ensure accountability,” he explained.
The INEC chief assured Nigerians that the Commission would continue to improve on structures already in place to deliver credible elections that uphold the will of the people.
