The nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has pledged that no eligible voter in Nigeria will be excluded from participating in elections under his leadership — even if it requires deploying drones and advanced technology to reach remote or insecure areas.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking during his Senate screening on Thursday, Amupitan said one of his key priorities would be to tackle the recurring challenges of logistics and insecurity that have often disenfranchised voters across the country.
“No voter will be left behind,” he declared. “We will invest in logistics and technology — and where necessary, deploy drones with adequate safeguards — to ensure election materials and personnel reach every part of Nigeria safely and on time.”
Amupitan, a Professor of Law and former university administrator, said he was determined to modernise INEC’s operational framework to make the electoral process more inclusive, efficient, and credible.
He also assured lawmakers that his administration would collaborate closely with the Joint Committee on Election Security to address threats that hinder smooth electoral operations, particularly in hard-to-reach or conflict-prone areas.
Beyond technology, Amupitan underscored the importance of voter and civic education as the foundation of credible elections.
“We will embark on aggressive civic and voter education across the country,” he said. “INEC will build the capacity not only of its staff but also of all election stakeholders — including political parties, civil society groups, and the electorate.”
Citing Section 2 of the Electoral Act, Amupitan said INEC is legally mandated to educate citizens on democratic processes and electoral procedures. He added that improved voter awareness would help reduce election-day irregularities and strengthen public trust in the system.
“When people understand the process, they are less likely to be manipulated or discouraged. Our goal is to build an informed electorate that participates fully and freely,” he stated.
Amupitan further pledged to uphold transparency, integrity, and fiscal discipline in managing the Commission’s resources.
“We will enforce all financial laws to the letter,” he said. “Every kobo released to the Commission will be used for the purpose for which it is appropriated.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the screening, commended Amupitan’s clarity of vision and directed him to provide detailed written responses to senators’ questions.
Amupitan’s nomination comes amid rising public calls for electoral reforms and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future general elections.
