New INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, vows that under his leadership, no Nigerian voter will be left behind, promising to deploy drones, technology, and civic education to ensure inclusive and credible elections nationwide
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan: No Voter Will Be Left Behind as We Deploy Drones, Technology for Elections
The newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has pledged to transform Nigeria’s electoral process with technology-driven solutions, vowing that “no voter will be left behind” under his leadership.
Speaking during his Senate screening on Thursday, Prof. Amupitan, a Professor of Law and former university administrator, declared that ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency in elections would be his administration’s top priority.
“No voter will be left behind,” he stated emphatically. “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 said he intends to tackle Nigeria’s longstanding electoral challenges — particularly those relating to logistics, security, and access to remote areas — through innovation and collaboration with key stakeholders.
The INEC Chairman explained that his administration would work closely with the Joint Committee on Election Security to address threats that often impede smooth electoral operations, especially in conflict-prone or hard-to-reach areas.
“Our goal is to make sure that insecurity, distance, or difficult terrain do not disenfranchise any Nigerian. Every eligible citizen must have the opportunity to vote,” he assured.
Amupitan said drones and real-time tracking tools would help enhance transparency in logistics and improve the delivery of election materials nationwide.
Beyond technology, Prof. Amupitan stressed that civic and voter education would be at the heart of his leadership. He announced plans for a national enlightenment campaign to deepen citizens’ understanding of democratic processes and electoral participation.
“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, their members, civil society organisations, and the electorate.”
Citing Section 2 of the Electoral Act, Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s statutory role in promoting civic education and ensuring Nigerians are well-informed about voting procedures.
“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 noted.
The INEC boss also pledged to uphold accountability, integrity, and financial transparency in the Commission’s operations, promising strict adherence to procurement and financial regulations.
“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 session, commended Prof. Amupitan’s clarity of vision and his emphasis on transparency and innovation. The Senate subsequently confirmed him as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a voice vote.
Amupitan arrived at the National Assembly earlier in the day accompanied by Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. His nomination and eventual confirmation come amid growing public demand for credible electoral reforms and institutional integrity ahead of future general elections. Read More
