In a statement signed Monday by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, CPPM described Prof. Amupitan as a “distinguished lawyer and technocrat” and expressed confidence in his ability to oversee Nigeria’s democratic process over the next five years under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The group commended President Tinubu for what it termed a “painstaking and diligent choice” of a leader well-suited to the role, noting that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment reflects the President’s commitment to conducting credible, free, fair, and transparent elections.
CPPM further expressed its “indisputable confidence” in Prof. Amupitan’s capacity to deliver on INEC’s constitutional mandate and to build on the achievements of his predecessors, Profs. Attahiru Jega and Mahmud Yakubu, who were praised for their neutrality, professionalism, and resilience in the face of criticism and attacks.
The organization advised the new INEC chairman to familiarize himself with the commission’s operations quickly, maintain an open-door policy with stakeholders, and uphold impartiality and professionalism in all electoral matters.
However, CPPM also used the statement to reject a recent proposed amendment to the Electoral Act, which places the burden of proof for alleged electoral malpractice on INEC. The group argued that it is illogical for the commission, which conducts elections, to provide evidence for claims initiated by candidates or parties.
“If a candidate or party identifies electoral malpractice and petitions the courts, the onus of proof should lie with the petitioner, not INEC,” the statement read.
As a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic process, CPPM reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with patriotic and responsible partners to strengthen democracy through research, consultation, debate, and fact-based dialogue, while rejecting efforts to incite, mislead, or derail national progress.
