LAWYERS GROUP ALDRAP URGES SENATE TO REJECT PROF. AMUPITAN’S INEC CHAIRMANSHIP NOMINATION OVER ALLEGED BIAS

Over 1,000 Nigerian lawyers belonging to the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) have formally petitioned the Senate to reject Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s nomination as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing concerns over perceived partisanship and conflict of interest.

In a strongly worded letter dated October 10, 2025, addressed to Senator Simon Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, ALDRAP argued Prof. Amupitan’s previous role as Lead Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election petition disqualifies him from heading INEC. “Having previously served as Lead Counsel to the APC, Prof. Amupitan cannot credibly discharge the duties of an INEC Chairman, who must remain impartial in elections involving the APC and other political parties,” the association stated.

ALDRAP Administrative Secretary Jesse Williams Amuga signed the petition, warning the Senate against proceeding with confirmation. “Take notice that in the event the Senate goes ahead to undertake confirmation of the said Prof. Joash Amupitan, our association shall be left with no other option than to institute a lawsuit to compel the Senate to comply with the requirements of impartiality,” Amuga emphasized.

Citing legal provisions, ALDRAP referenced Section 5 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 1991, and Section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003, asserting these statutes bar public officers from positions breeding conflict between personal interests and official duties.

The lawyers group reminded lawmakers of a 2021 precedent rejecting Lauretta Onochie’s INEC nomination due APC affiliation. “The Senate must act in line with precedent… Prof. Amupitan’s case falls squarely within that standard of disqualification,” ALDRAP maintained.

Stressing Nigeria boasts over 200,000 qualified lawyers with many politically neutral candidates fit for INEC leadership, ALDRAP underscored threats to electoral credibility if perceived partisan figures assume office.

Copies petition went President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary Government Federation, Director-General DSS, Inspector-General Police plus foreign missions EU, US, UK embassies Nigeria. Senate response awaited amid intensifying debate Amupitan’s suitability.