According to the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), INEC’s handling of the governorship election in Anambra State was “an impressive demonstration of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to credible electoral standards.”
Additionally, it praised Dr. Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for what it saw as the legitimate and open conduct of the just concluded Anambra State Governorship Election.
ACJHR’s Executive Director, Barr. Anderson Achilike MciArb, said in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday that “the peaceful and orderly process that characterized the Anambra election marks a new dawn in Nigeria’s democratic journey, restoring public confidence in INEC’s capacity to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.”
“The Anambra governorship election was a clear reflection of improved electoral processes and a renewed spirit of institutional integrity under Dr. Amupitan’s leadership,” the ACJHR states. The statement stated, “It does hold promises of better standards in the upcoming elections across the federation.”
The human rights organization added that INEC’s performance throughout the election has given Nigerians new optimism that the country is finally moving in the direction of a future in which the people’s will wins out and votes actually matter.
The ACJHR went on to say that “it is indeed a new era in our electoral space” and urged INEC and its leadership to “maintain the momentum that has earned the Commission renewed public trust and respect, rather than to relent in this wise.”
In closing, the ACJHR urged political figures, civil society groups, and security services to keep backing INEC’s reforms and dedication to strengthening Nigerian democracy.
