Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged new INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan to ensure transparency in the Anambra governorship election, warning against manipulation by the ruling APC
Atiku Urges New INEC Boss Amupitan to Uphold Electoral Integrity in Anambra Poll
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has charged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to ensure electoral transparency and fairness in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku described the November 8 election as a defining moment for Anambra voters to end “the era of poor governance” and protect their mandate from manipulation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The Anambra State governorship election next weekend is one in the number of off-cycle elections according to the country’s election timetable,” Atiku said.
“But rather than being like any other, the election to elect the next governor of Anambra State offers a unique opportunity to end the era of poor governance in the state, in addition to ensuring that the ruling All Progressives Congress does not get the chance of practicing its notoriety of snatching and running away with the mandate of the people.”
Atiku, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), threw his support behind the party’s candidates, Nwosu Chima John and Nwobu Geoffrey Ndubisi, urging the electorate to vote for change and credible leadership.
He also called on Prof. Amupitan to demonstrate impartiality and professionalism, saying the upcoming election will be a test of the electoral commission’s independence.
“The election is also an opportunity for the electoral umpire under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to prove to the world that it has turned a new page and that the integrity of our election would not be sacrificed for the satisfaction of the ruling party,” Atiku stated.
Highlighting Anambra’s role in Nigeria’s political history, Atiku expressed confidence that the people of the state would vote for progress and national renewal.
“Anambra is a place with so many good histories about our great country. I believe that yet again, Ndi Anambra will open the chapter of a new beginning in Nigeria, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would bring lasting prosperity, peace, and stability to our country,” he added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sworn in Prof. Amupitan as the new INEC chairman last month, tasking him with strengthening institutional credibility and upholding the sanctity of the ballot.
The statement attributed to Atiku Abubakar was released through verified media channels and corroborated by multiple national dailies. However, as of publication time, INEC has not issued an official response to Atiku’s remarks. Online discussions continue to verify the authenticity of the quote endorsing ADC candidates, as some political observers have noted that Atiku traditionally aligns with the PDP. Independent verification is ongoing across major Nigerian news outlets.
NAN
