The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has promised to end Nigeria’s recurring wave of pre-election court cases. He made this known during the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) held at the University of Abuja on Monday.
Tackling the Culture of Excessive Litigations
Prof. Amupitan, who assumed office only a week ago, said that Nigeria’s electoral system could no longer sustain the trend of over 1,000 pre-election cases recorded before the 2023 general elections. He described the situation as “litigation by other means” rather than democracy. According to him, the real solution lies in ensuring that political parties comply strictly with their constitutions, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution.
He emphasized that his main goal as INEC Chairman is to make the law an instrument for stability and fairness. “When we get the law right,” he said, “even the losers will congratulate the winners. That’s how democracy grows.”
Strengthening Electoral Laws and Public Trust
Amupitan called on the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws, stressing that credible elections depend on strong legal frameworks and genuine internal democracy within political parties. He admitted that fewer election-related court cases might not favor some lawyers but insisted it was necessary to restore public trust in the system.
He added that elections should be decided at the polling units, not in the courts. The new INEC boss urged Nigerians to see law as a foundation for reform, fairness, and justice—not manipulation.
Call for Legal and Academic Reform
Addressing the audience of law teachers, students, and jurists, Amupitan encouraged the academic community to build a new generation of lawyers who value integrity over influence and justice over convenience.
In his remarks, NALT President Prof. John Akintayo praised the INEC Chairman’s vision, noting that good laws form the backbone of development. Conference Chairman Prof. Uwakwe Abugu added that this year’s event would focus on urgent issues like food security, artificial intelligence, and legal reforms to meet modern challenges.
Conclusion
Prof. Amupitan’s commitment marks a turning point for Nigeria’s electoral system. His goal to eliminate unnecessary court battles and strengthen legal accountability could restore faith in democratic institutions. If achieved, Nigeria’s elections may finally be won in the ballot box—not the courtroom.
