Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has urged Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to remain courageous and uphold integrity in the face of political intimidation and pressure.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker and member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), gave the advice while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.
He urged the INEC chairman to stay true to the Commission’s mandate and avoid being swayed by politicians seeking to compromise the credibility of upcoming elections.
According to him, Amupitan must demonstrate independence and fairness as he steers the Commission through the off-cycle and future general elections.
He cautioned against succumbing to undue influence or blackmail from politicians, particularly those in opposition, who may attempt to discredit the Commission’s work.
“All eyes are on the new INEC boss, and I want to advise him to stay focused and resist all forms of pressure that could undermine the integrity of the Commission.
“He must ignore negative criticism and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of free and fair elections.
“Those who lose elections will always try to undermine the system for their own gain, but the INEC chairman must fear no one and apply the law without favour”, Oyintiloye said.
Oyintiloye commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, describing the decision as a reflection of trust in his competence and integrity.
He expressed confidence that the new chairman possesses the capacity to reform and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
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“The President’s choice shows confidence in Amupitan’s integrity and ability to sanitise the electoral system,” he said.
The APC stalwart, however, noted that upcoming elections, particularly the November Anambra governorship poll and the 2026 gubernatorial contests in Ekiti and Osun, would serve as a litmus test for Amupitan’s leadership.
While congratulating the new INEC boss, Oyintiloye reiterated that Nigerians would be watching closely to see how he protects the Commission’s credibility and ensures transparent electoral outcomes.
