Public affairs analyst and former Chief Technical Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Mr. Jerry Chukweke, has expressed strong confidence that the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, will remain firm and independent in discharging his duties despite political pressures.
Speaking during an interview from 10:30 on Channels Television on Friday, October 17, 2025, Chukweke addressed concerns about Amupitan’s possible closeness to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him, amid debates on electoral reforms seeking to remove presidential powers over INEC appointments.
Asked whether Nigerians could trust Amupitan’s neutrality, Chukweke responded: “So here we go. It may not surprise you that one of his best friends and clients is Senator Dino Melaye. Does that sound to you like somebody who will be beholden to the Senator or Mr. President? If it were a politically driven appointment, he wouldn’t be the nominee of Mr. President being so closely associated with Senator Dino Melaye.”
He also revealed that Amupitan’s nomination had been well received across political divides, including among supporters of the Labour Party: “Even the obedient movement supported his nomination and happy about the confirmation. He’s open-minded.”
Chukweke emphasized that Amupitan’s personal discipline, courage, and integrity will guide his actions as INEC Chairman: “Now I go back to character, the courage to withstand political pressure. When you are a man or woman who has a good sense of self-contentment, and that’s what I always like about the Jos’s environment.”
Highlighting Amupitan’s principle-driven lifestyle, Chukweke added: “People talk about why was he so much at Jos? Well, you know what? I think people who understand when to say when, right? And driven by principle. I’ve heard some of his close friends and some people he didn’t even know as well who on principle he took on their legal matters pro bono and drove them all the way to success. So the man is open-minded.”
Concluding, Chukweke said he believes the nominee’s integrity and professionalism will serve the nation well: “I think he’ll do good for Nigeria.” See, More, Here>>>
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