Democracy Newsline Newspaper_ is set to honour the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, with the prestigious “EXCELLENT PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD ON TRANSPARENCY 2026.”
The honour is in recognition of INEC’s commendable conduct of recent elections under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, including the governorship elections in Anambra and Ekiti States, the just concluded Osun State Governorship election, as well as several bye-elections into the National and State Houses of Assembly across the country.
According to the newspaper, the award celebrates INEC’s commitment to transparency, improved deployment of technology, timely logistics, and adherence to electoral guidelines which have helped to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Announcing the decision, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of the Newspaper, Chief Olugbemi Femi, said the award was informed by the Commission’s demonstrated professionalism and transparency during critical off-cycle elections.
“Under Professor Joash Amupitan’s leadership, INEC has shown dedication to transparent and credible elections. The peaceful and well-managed conduct of the Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun governorship elections, alongside various legislative bye-elections, reflects a clear commitment to deepening democracy in Nigeria,” Chief Femi said.
The award presentation will take place on Wednesday, 19th August, 2026 at 5:00pm during the Democracy Newsline Newspaper 16th Public Lecture and Induction into the Good Governance Hall of Fame at the Banquet Hall, National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
The event marks the 27th Anniversary of Uninterrupted Democracy in Nigeria and is themed: “Economic Reform and Sustainable Development in a Democracy: The Nigeria Experience.”
A keynote address will be delivered by Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Kogi State.
Chairperson of the occasion is Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola, Veteran Broadcaster.
Special Guest of Honour is Hon. Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Patron is HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola, Former MD/CEO, Daily Trust Limited.
Grand Patron is Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, Former Member, Federal House of Representatives.
The Board, Management and Staff of Democracy Newsline Newspaper invite political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and members of the public to the ceremony.
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