Group Backs Tinubu, Says Professor Amupitan’s Nomination Promotes Inclusivity and Fairness
The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG) has cautioned against attempts to ethnicise the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Convener of the group, Chief Jacob Edi, described as “unfortunate and divisive” the ongoing commentaries by some northern voices opposing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of the respected academic and legal luminary.
Chief Edi explained that Professor Amupitan, an Okun man from Kogi State, represents one of the minority ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria and, as such, deserves fair recognition rather than ethnic criticism.
“There are 19 states in the North, each richly diverse and unique, none superior to the other by tribe, tongue, or faith,” the NNMG said. “It is disturbing that some self-styled northern elements have chosen to politicise the nomination of a distinguished scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria on ethnic grounds.”
The group pointed out that since the establishment of a statutory electoral commission in 1959, no northern minority has ever headed the body, despite the position being held by individuals from the North West and North East for about 15 years.
“In all these decades, northern minorities never questioned the choices of past leaders. We therefore urge Nigerians to recognise northern minorities as citizens with equal stakes in the Nigerian project,” the statement added.
The NNMG also recalled that the trend of dismissing northern minority appointments as “not northern enough” dates back to the Obasanjo administration, describing it as “a retrogressive practice that must end.”
Emphasising that the North is defined by its diversity rather than ethnicity, the group said those promoting divisive rhetoric were enemies of unity and progress.
It further outlined its position, stressing that:
Northern minorities should no longer be viewed as mere demographic fillers;
Public appointments must be based on competence, integrity, and capacity, not ethnicity;
Professor Amupitan’s nomination represents a bold step toward inclusivity and meritocracy;
The nation must move past parochial sentiments that undermine democracy.
Commending President Tinubu for recognising the North’s diversity through his appointments, the NNMG said his action promotes fairness and national balance.
“The time for ethnic arithmetic is over. The era of competence, fairness, and national responsibility must begin in earnest,” Chief Edi stated. “Northern minorities remain the stabilising force of this federation; when placed together, we are not just minorities but the real majority that believes in the unity and progress of Nigeria.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had last week forwarded the name of Professor Amupitan to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation as INEC Chairman, following the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. The nomination, according to the Presidency, was made in line with constitutional provisions and the administration’s commitment to credible elections.
