Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), newly confirmed as substantive INEC Chairman, has pledged to conduct a comprehensive audit of the logistics involved in the 2023 general elections, in a bid to enhance transparency and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. The assurance was made on 16 October 2025, shortly after his Senate confirmation.
Amupitan told senators and stakeholders that the audit will encompass all phases of the electoral logistics chain, procurement, transportation, deployment, usage, and return of election materials such as ballot papers, result sheets, accreditation devices, and other supplies.
“INEC must lead by example,” Amupitan said. “We owe the Nigerian people an unvarnished account of how we handled the 2023 elections, with full disclosure of successes and shortcomings.”
Lens News learnt that he also plans to grant access to civil society organisations, domestic and international election observers, and oversight agencies to scrutinize the audit report. He emphasised that the process must be independent, well-resourced, time-bound, and legally binding in terms of follow-up actions.
Political analysts welcomed the pledge, noting that auditing past elections is a crucial step to reform. However, they warned the real test will lie in the quality, sincerity, and completeness of the audit, as well as willingness to act on exposed gaps.
Some observers cautioned that logistical audits must be accompanied by reforms in procurement transparency, supply chain security, staff accountability, and technological safeguards to prevent recurrence of past challenges.
Other stakeholders, including leaders of civil society election groups, have urged that the audit should not be a public relations exercise but a root-and-branch review capable of shaping future electoral reforms. They called on government to provide INEC with adequate funding, autonomy, and legal backing to conduct the audit without interference.
As Amupitan prepares to assume his responsibilities, the audit promise has set expectations high across Nigeria’s democratic community. The success of his tenure may hinge on whether he translates this pledge into credible action.
