The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has vowed to end the culture of excessive pre-election litigations that continue to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking at the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), held at the University of Abuja, Prof. Amupitan emphasized that electionsshould reflect the people’s mandate and not be decided by court verdicts.
Amupitan, who assumed office just a week ago following his swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lamented the over 1,000 pre-election cases filed before the 2023 general elections, describing the situation as “litigation by other means” rather than genuine democracy.
He stressed that compliance with legal frameworks remains the foundation for credible elections, urging political parties to strictly adhere to their constitutions, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution.
“If we get the law right, even losers will be the first to congratulate winners,that’s what defines a mature democracy,” he said.
The INEC boss called on the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws and promote internal democracy among political parties, stressing that credible polls require both legal and institutional discipline.
“We cannot continue to let the courts decide our elections “Elections must be won at the polling units, not in the courtroom.” INEC Chairman said.
Amupitan urged law teachers and students to use the law as an instrument for justice and reform, not exploitation.
“As law teachers, we must lead by example in raising a generation that values integrity over influence and justice over convenience,” he added.
Earlier, NALT President and Dean of Law, University of Ibadan, Prof. John Akintayo, commended Amupitan’s reform-driven vision, describing law as the cornerstone of good governance and sustainable development.
Conference Chairman and Dean of Law, University of Abuja, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, noted that, this year’s gathering would focus on pressing issues such as food security, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and legal reforms as well as key areas where law must evolve to meet modern governance challenges.
