President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to prioritize transparency and non-violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja after administering the oath of office, Tinubu stated that credible polls remain the foundation of public trust and democratic stability. He noted that Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate on October 16, marked a joint vote of confidence from the executive and legislative arms.
“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity,” Tinubu said. “This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
The President added, “Our democracy has come a long way. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach… We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.”
He identified Amupitan’s first major assignment as the upcoming Anambra State governorship election in November 2025, wishing him success.
In his remarks, Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, vowed to uphold the Constitution and engage all stakeholders to deliver credible elections.
“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system,” Amupitan told State House correspondents. “Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and that I will ensure.”
Amupitan Vows to Restore Public Confidence
Upon assuming duties at the commission’s headquarters, Amupitan vowed to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, describing his appointment as a “divine” call to serve.
During his first meeting with INEC directors, he stressed that fulfilling the commission’s mandate would depend on teamwork, discipline, and integrity.
“Our mandate is clear… to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he stated, pledging to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
The new INEC boss highlighted the forthcoming Anambra election as a defining moment for his tenure.
“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment,” he declared. “The eyes of the nation are upon us… Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count.”
Amupitan also promised to make staff welfare a central part of his agenda, acknowledging their vital role in ensuring credible polls. “We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.”
Handover and Predecessor’s Legacy
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of INEC, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally transferred the reins to Amupitan, congratulating him on his appointment.
She noted he was assuming office at a “most crucial time” and reminded him that he was “stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.”
Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu’s leadership for introducing “landmark innovations, from the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.”
Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who became the longest-serving INEC chairman (2015-2025), overseeing the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
Amupitan’s appointment also marks a regional first; he is the first INEC chief from Kogi State in the North-Central zone. Past chairpersons have come from the South-East (Humphrey Nwosu, Maurice Iwu), South-South (Okon Uya, Sumner Dagogo-Jack, Ephraim Akpata, Abel Guobadia), North-West (Attahiru Jega), and North-East (Mahmood Yakubu).
Reflecting on the weight of the role, Amupitan said, “The places I’ve gone to… they were saying, ‘I don’t envy you.’ But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead… my coming is divine. If God says go, who are you to say ‘I’m not going?’ I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed.”
Share On:
CLICK HERE TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC/VIDEO