A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has advised the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to discharge his duties with courage, integrity, and impartiality.

In a statement on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye urged Amupitan to adhere strictly to electoral laws and resist intimidation or blackmail from politicians, especially opposition parties seeking to undermine the commission’s credibility.

“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,” Oyintiloye said. “He must ignore negative criticism and ensure he abides by laid-down rules and regulations for the conduct of free and fair elections. Those who lose elections will always try to discredit the commission for their personal gain, but he must apply the rules without favour.”

The former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Amupitan, describing the choice as a reflection of “integrity and competence.” He added that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election in November, as well as the 2026 gubernatorial contests in Ekiti and Osun, would serve as early tests of Amupitan’s leadership.

Reactions have continued to trail President Tinubu’s appointment of Amupitan as INEC Chairman. While the President described the law professor as an “apolitical figure of impeccable integrity,” opposition parties remain divided over the nomination.

Labour Party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, noted that although Tinubu acted within his constitutional rights, genuine electoral reform would require legislative changes. “Tweets won’t change anything. Opposition leaders must take concrete action, not just social media outrage,” Akeni said.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, reiterated the call for the implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Report, which advocates an open and merit-based process for appointing INEC leadership.

However, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, maintained that Tinubu’s appointment was legally valid but emphasized that Amupitan’s credibility would ultimately be judged by his actions.

“It is too early to determine his direction,” Johnson said. “But the perception of independence will depend on how he conducts himself and the commission moving forward.”