By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, Nigeria — October 24, 2025:
Connected Development (CODE), through its flagship initiative Follow The Money and civic election observation platform Uzabe, has congratulated Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan on his nomination and appointment as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement signed by Nankpak Cirfat, Communications Officer (Media Relations) at CODE, the organization described Prof. Amupitan’s appointment as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy one that presents both challenges and opportunities to rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.
CODE noted that while recent election cycles have recorded progress in the deployment of technology, persistent concerns over transparency, logistics, and credibility continue to erode citizens’ trust in the electoral system.
“For many Nigerians, particularly those in marginalized and rural communities, democracy feels distant and unresponsive,” the statement read.
The organization therefore urged Prof. Amupitan to make trust-building the foundation of his leadership at INEC.
“Trust cannot be legislated; it must be earned through openness, consistency, and the courage to place citizens above politics,” CODE stated.
“His first duty must be to rebuild that bridge of confidence between citizens and the ballot.”
CODE emphasized that the new INEC Chairman must embody the values of integrity, fairness, and impartiality, positioning himself as a people’s referee who defends the sanctity of the vote and upholds the Constitution without fear or favor.
“Democracy loses meaning when it works only for the elite; it must work for every Nigerian, especially those at the grassroots, where elections are most contested and most consequential,” the statement added.
While acknowledging the importance of innovation and technology in electoral reform, CODE stressed that inclusion must remain a top priority. Millions of Nigerians particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities still face barriers to full participation in the democratic process, especially in remote communities.
“INEC under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership must design systems that meet people where they are and ensure that no voter is left behind,” CODE urged.
The organization further highlighted that INEC’s credibility rests on its independence and called on the new Chairman to safeguard that autonomy by institutionalizing transparency, ensuring financial accountability, and promoting open election data.
“Beyond leadership, INEC must institutionalize transparency through open data, financial disclosure, and continuous civic engagement,” it stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, CODE noted that through its Uzabe platform, it has consistently observed elections nationwide to promote real-time transparency and accountability at polling units.
“CODE stands ready to partner with the new INEC leadership to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy not only counts votes but makes every vote count,” the statement concluded.
📧 nankpak@connecteddevelopment.org
📞 +234 703 871 3285
🌐 www.connecteddevelopment.org
