The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has advised the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to prioritise true national interest and work for democratic consolidation.
The acting National Chairman of SDP, Dr Sadìq Gombe made the call in a statement signed by the party National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, on Friday in Abuja.
Gombe said that going by the nationwide excitement on Amupitan’s appointment and commendations of being the right choice by the president, the SDP hoped he would give Nigerians real joy in practical terms.
He said that the party looks forward to Amupitan prioritising the true interests of Nigeria and working for democratic consolidation, particularly in the next off-circle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states.
He said that the three state elections would serve as litmus tests for his capacity, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gombe said that with the impressive background, acclaimed pedigree, integrity and competence of Amupitan, attested to by Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi at the Council of State meeting, the SDP was hopeful that it would translate the prevailing national excitement to concrete fulfillment.
He expressed hope that Amupitan would discharge his duty with impeccable integrity and honour and would build on the notable reforms that were initiated by his predecessors.
“It is hoped that the new chairman will give rule of law a pride of place, respect the sovereignty of political parties and the commission will not be meddlesome in their internal affairs under his watch.
“We expect he will engender positive spirit by boosting staff morale, improve the negative public rejection of the commission and increase its credibility,” he said.