Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a prominent lawmaker and former governor of Abia State, made headlines during the Senate’s screening of the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Ojo Amupitan, SAN.
Known for his forthrightness and rigorous approach, Kalu subjected the new electoral chief to a series of pointed questions on the integrity and independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Taking the floor during the plenary, Senator Kalu addressed Prof. Amupitan directly, stressing the need for INEC to uphold public confidence and operate free from political interference.
“Professor, the integrity and transparency of our electoral process are of utmost importance to Nigerians. How do you plan to ensure that INEC operates independently and free from external influence?” Kalu queried.
In response, Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
“Senator, I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality. My administration will strengthen INEC’s institutional independence and ensure that it remains immune to external pressures,” he stated.
However, Senator Kalu pressed further, demanding specifics on how the new chairman would tackle voter suppression, electoral malpractice, and irregularities that have marred past polls.
“What concrete measures will you introduce to guarantee the sanctity of our electoral process?” Kalu asked.
Prof. Amupitan, maintaining composure, outlined his vision to leverage technology and stakeholder collaboration to enhance transparency and public trust.
He revealed plans to deepen partnerships with civil society groups, development partners, and international observers to monitor elections and strengthen accountability.
The senator also probed key issues such as INEC’s funding mechanisms, institutional autonomy, and the prospects for electoral reform, seeking to test the depth of Prof. Amupitan’s preparedness for the task ahead.
Observers at the screening described the exchange as “constructive and revealing,” noting that Kalu’s intense questioning reflected the Senate’s commitment to ensuring that INEC under new leadership would be more transparent, independent, and credible.
By the end of the session, there was a sense of cautious optimism among lawmakers and the public alike. Prof. Amupitan’s confident responses, coupled with Senator Kalu’s insistence on accountability, signaled a shared resolve to restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and usher in a new era of credibility, integrity, and reform at the nation’s electoral body.
