Abuja – The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), representing over 1,000 Nigerian lawyers, has formally urged the Senate to reject Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s nomination as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing his past role as lead counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election petition compromises his impartiality.
In an October 10, 2025, letter to Senator Simon Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, ALDRAP Administrative Secretary Jesse Williams Amuga stressed Prof. Amupitan’s APC legal representation creates a clear conflict of interest. “Having acted as Lead Counsel to APC in a critical presidential election dispute, Prof. Amupitan cannot inspire confidence as an unbiased INEC helmsman overseeing polls involving the APC and other parties,” Amuga contended.
The lawyers’ group warned of legal action should the Senate confirm Amupitan. “We shall institute a lawsuit compelling compliance with impartiality requirements if the Senate proceeds,” ALDRAP stated, referencing Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and ICPC Act provisions barring public officers’ conflicted appointments.
ALDRAP invoked precedent rejecting Lauretta Onochie’s 2021 INEC nomination citing political ties. “The Senate must uphold standards rejecting perceived partisan candidates; Amupitan’s profile fits disqualification,” they asserted.
Insisting Nigeria possesses thousands qualified non-partisan legal professionals fit INEC leadership, ALDRAP questioned confirming someone with alleged affiliations. “Nigeria boasts over 200,000 lawyers – many neutral candidates exist,” they noted.
Petition copies reached President Bola Tinubu, Secretary Government Federation, security agencies plus EU, US, UK diplomatic missions Nigeria amid building pressure Amupitan’s suitability debate.
Jesse Amuga emphasized ALDRAP’s stance reflects protecting Nigeria’s electoral integrity. Senate Electoral Matters Committee response pending amid intensifying scrutiny nomination.
