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Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu‘s nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking in Lagos amid ongoing debates about Amupitan’s appointment, Aniebonam emphasized the critical role the new INEC leader must play once confirmed by the Senate, following the National Council of States’ approval on October 7.
He highlighted that Amupitan faces the immediate challenge of rehabilitating INEC’s tarnished reputation and rebuilding Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral body. “INEC’s credibility has suffered significant setbacks over the years. The foremost responsibility for Amupitan is to address these issues and restore public trust,” Aniebonam stated.
He urged the incoming chairman to conduct a comprehensive review of the commission’s operations and rectify the shortcomings left unaddressed by his predecessor, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.
According to Aniebonam, President Tinubu and his cabinet must have thoroughly evaluated Amupitan’s qualifications before his nomination, signaling a genuine commitment to reforming Nigeria’s democratic institutions, starting with INEC.
“Nigeria requires leaders capable of making informed, decisive choices if we are to realize the nation’s full potential,” he remarked.
Drawing from NNPP’s own experience with INEC during an internal leadership dispute, Aniebonam revealed insights into the commission’s operational flaws. He condemned the previous INEC leadership for disregarding court orders to recognize NNPP’s newly elected national executives, describing this as a serious breach of constitutional principles.
“It is imperative to investigate why the former INEC chairman failed to comply with judicial directives. Such actions undermine public confidence in the institution,” he added.
He challenged Amupitan to either continue the problematic legacy of past INEC chairmen or to distinguish himself by instituting meaningful reforms.
Unresolved issues, particularly the commission’s noncompliance with court rulings, must be promptly addressed by the new chairman, Aniebonam insisted.
He also expressed disbelief over reports that certain INEC officials altered the NNPP’s logo and colors without consulting the party’s founding members or verifying the original registration certificate. “If this can happen to NNPP, it raises concerns that other parties like APC, PDP, and Labour could face similar unauthorized changes,” he warned.
Despite these challenges, the NNPP remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s administration and the incoming INEC leadership, hoping that Amupitan will remain focused and undistracted in fulfilling his mandate.