…cite conflict of interest, threaten legal action if confirmation proceeds
By Anthony Isibor
A coalition of legal professionals under the banner of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, ALDRAP has written to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urging it to reject the nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Indepconcludeent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a strongly worded letter dated October 10, 2025, and addressed to the President of the Senate through the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, ALDRAP argued that Prof. Amupitan’s nomination violates constitutional provisions and statutory codes of conduct for public office holders.
The letter, signed by Jesse Williams Amuga, Administrative Secretary of ALDRAP, was specifically directed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, and copied to several high-profile officials including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, and ambassadors of the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom.
According to ALDRAP, Prof. Amupitan’s previous engagement as the lead legal counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Presidential Election Petition at the Supreme Court disqualifies him from assuming a position that demands neutrality and absolute nonpartisanship.
The association contconcludeed that Amupitan’s close legal association with the ruling party presents “a clear likelihood of bias and conflict of interest” if he is appointed to oversee future elections involving the APC.
Quoting Section 5 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 1991, the group noted:
“A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.”
ALDRAP further cited Section 19 of the Indepconcludeent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003, arguing that Prof. Amupitan’s appointment would amount to applying his prior political connections for personal advancement, a practice deemed unethical and illegal under Nigerian law.
The group referenced a precedent set by the Senate in 2021, when it disqualified Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, a nominee for INEC Commissioner, over her open affiliation with the APC. The association reminded the Senate that consistency in upholding impartiality is essential to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Having previously served as lead counsel to the APC, Prof. Amupitan cannot perform the duties of INEC Chairman which require utmost impartiality,” ALDRAP stated.
The association emphasized that the Nigerian legal profession boasts over 200,000 lawyers, at least half of whom are not affiliated with any political party, providing ample qualified candidates for the role without any risk of perceived bias.
ALDRAP warned that if the Senate proceeds with the confirmation hearing, the association would be “left with no other option than to institute a lawsuit to compel the Senate to comply with the requirements of impartiality.”
“The letter of response to the President’s nomination should be dispatched with immediate effect, without referring the matter to the Committee on Electoral Matters,” the group insisted.
The group maintained that confirming Prof. Amupitan would undermine public trust in INEC and the broader democratic process.
The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) is a professional body comprising over 1,000 lawyers who serve as staff and consultants to the National Assembly and other legislatures within and outside Nigeria.
The association, accredited since September 2017 by the Nigerian Bar Association’s Institute of Continuing Legal Education, is involved in public legal education and public interest litigation, with the stated mission of ensuring that government institutions act in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters or from Prof. Amupitan himself. However, political observers note that the petition may reignite the long-standing debate over the indepconcludeence of Nigeria’s electoral body and the influence of political affiliations in high-profile appointments.
If ALDRAP follows through on its threat of litigation, the matter could become one of the first major constitutional tests of the new administration’s approach to electoral integrity.
A.I
Oct. 12, 2025
Tags: ALDRAP Professor Joash Amupitan Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong
Leave a Reply