A group, Nigeria Youth in Politics Organisation has called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in his role as electoral umpire.

A statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hon Felix Idowu in Abuja urged the INEC boss not to ignore recent criticisms about his conduct so far in office but to strive to uphold the highest ethical standards.

Part of the statement reads: “We wish to emphasize the critical role of the office of the chairman of the commission at this defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey.

“The appointment comes with great expectations from millions of Nigerians across the 36 states of the Federation, the diaspora community and the world at large.

“Nigerian youths consider the electoral process as the cornerstone of credible leadership and national development. We therefore believe that a great sense of responsibility is required to achieve the objective.

“As the chief electoral umpire, we expect the National chairman to know that his role is pivotal in restoring and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

“We respectfully therefore urge you to uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity, transparency, and impartiality in the discharge of your duties. Nigerians must be able to participate in elections with full confidence that their votes will count and that the process will be conducted without fear or favour.”

For emphasis, Hon Idowu stated that a credible electoral system requires among others, “Strict compliance with electoral laws and constitutional provisions; Transparency in voter accreditation, vote collation, and result transmission; Equal treatment for all political parties and candidates and Timely and accurate communication with the public”.

He argued that the Nigerian people deserve an electoral body that is above reproach—one that reflects fairness, justice, and accountability at every stage of the electoral process, adding that”Only then can citizens truly believe in the system and actively participate without skepticism or fear.”