By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Karimi, has publicly expressed heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues in the Senate for their collective effort in the screening and confirmation of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday.
Speaking moments after the voice vote confirmation during Thursday’s plenary session, Senator Karimi lauded the Senate President, the leadership, and the members of the screening panel for conducting a rigorous and impartial vetting process.
He described the unfolding as “a model of legislative responsibility undertaken in service to Nigeria’s democracy.”
Karimi emphasized that the confirmation marks a watershed moment in recalibrating public faith in the electoral system, particularly as Nigerians brace for off-cycle and general elections in the coming years.
He asserted that a credible INEC is essential not just in name, but in action — one that refuses to tolerate manipulation, intimidation, or undue political interference.
He further called on the newly confirmed INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to approach his new role with humility, courage, and dedication.
Amupitan was confirmed after a thorough questioning session and clearance from security and law enforcement agencies.
According to Karimi, the Senate’s support to enhance INEC’s operational capacity — including adequate funding, autonomy, and streamlined processes — must go hand in hand with the chairman’s resolve to deliver.
He urged lawmakers to collaborate in passing laws or amendments necessary to entrench INEC’s independence.
He also warned political actors against attempts to undermine the process, stressing that the sanctity of elections should be respected by all parties.
“We must ensure that no election is predetermined, and that every vote counts,” he said.
Karimi concluded by pledging his own commitment to working constructively with the new leadership of INEC and other senators to nurture a system where electoral losers accept outcomes based on merit, and winners govern with accountability.
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