APC chieftain urges new INEC chair to resist opposition intimidation

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to remain fearless and resist any form of intimidation or harassment from politicians as he assumes office.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, charged Amupitan to demonstrate a high level of courage and integrity in the face of pressure from politicians, especially opposition parties, ahead of the off-cycle and general elections.

The former lawmaker also advised Amupitan not to disappoint Nigerians and to resist all forms of undue pressure from politicians, particularly opposition figures who may seek to blackmail the Commission or discredit valid electoral processes.

His words, “All eyes are on the new INEC boss, and I want to advise him to stay focused and resist all forms of pressure that could undermine the integrity of the Commission.”

“Amupitan must ignore all forms of negative criticism and ensure he abides by the laid-down rules and regulations for the conduct of free and fair elections in the country,” he added.

“Those who lose elections will continue to undermine the efforts of the Commission toward conducting credible elections for their own personal gain, but the INEC boss must fear no one. He must apply the rules without favour.”

Oyintiloye commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, saying that his choice reflects integrity, honour, and capacity to sanitise the country’s electoral processes.

He noted that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election and the 2026 polls in Ekiti and Osun would serve as a litmus test for Amupitan’s leadership of the Commission.