By Erewunmi Peace

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has stated that the outcome of elections in Nigeria should not be determined in the courts but at the polling units.

Amupitan made this known while speaking at the 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) held at the University of Abuja on Monday, October 28, 2025.

The INEC boss emphasized the need for political parties to strengthen their internal democratic processes to prevent the increasing number of court cases that follow every election cycle.

“Elections should be decided at the ballot box, not in the courtroom. The time has come for political parties to conduct themselves within the provisions of their constitutions, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution,” Amupitan said.

He noted that when parties adhere strictly to democratic principles and transparency in their primaries, it will reduce the burden on the judiciary and promote the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Amupitan further stated that INEC remains committed to improving electoral processes and ensuring credible elections across the country. He urged politicians, party officials, and citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening democracy rather than undermining it through endless litigations.

The remarks have since sparked conversations nationwide, with many Nigerians commending the INEC chairman for his bold stance on electoral reform.