Sen. Kalu Highlights Senate’s Demand for Electoral Integrity During Grilling of INEC Chairman, Amupitan
Rubby Obinna
Oct. 18, 2025
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, made headlines during the screening of the new chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Ojo Amupitan, SAN, in the senate. Known for his outspoken nature and no-nonsense approach, Senator Kalu wasted no time in questioning the new INEC boss on various issues pertaining to the electoral process.
As the proceedings began, Senator Kalu’s piercing gaze fixated on Prof Ojo Amupitan, signaling that he meant business. With a commanding presence, he addressed the new INEC chairman, “Professor, the integrity and transparency of our electoral process are of utmost importance to the Nigerian people. How do you plan to ensure that INEC operates independently and free from external influence?”
Prof Ojo Amupitan, composed and confident, responded, “Senator, I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality in conducting free and credible elections.
“I will work tirelessly to strengthen INEC’s independence and ensure that it operates without interference from any external forces.”
Not satisfied with the generic response, Senator Kalu pressed on, “But how do you intend to address the concerns of voter suppression and electoral malpractices that have plagued our previous elections? What specific measures will you put in place to guarantee the sanctity of the electoral process?”
Prof Ojo Amupitan, undeterred by the senator’s relentless questioning, elaborated on his plans to introduce advanced technology and innovative strategies to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the electoral system.
He emphasized the need to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations and international observers, to monitor and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Kalu, known for his astute understanding of governance and politics, continued to probe the new INEC chairman on critical issues such as the independence of the electoral body, the funding mechanism for INEC, and the potential for electoral reforms.
With each question, he sought to gauge the depth of Prof Ojo Amupitan’s knowledge and vision for transforming INEC into a credible and trustworthy institution.
As the intense interrogation unfolded, it became evident that Kalu’s line of questioning was not merely an exercise in scrutiny but a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to ensuring that INEC operates with the highest level of integrity and accountability.
In the end, Kalu’s rigorous grilling of Amupitan sent a clear message to the Nigerian public and the political establishment that the senate was vigilant in its oversight role and committed to holding INEC accountable for its actions.
The exchange between the senator and the new INEC chairman showed the importance of transparency and diligence in shaping the future of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The screening concluded with a sense of cautious optimism as Prof Amupitan’s responses, coupled with Senator Kalu’s rigorous scrutiny, instilled confidence that INEC was poised for a new era of credibility and effectiveness in facilitating free and fair elections.