President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and deepen democratic reforms.
The oath of office was taken at the State House, Abuja, a week after the Senate had confirmed Amupitan’s appointment on October 16 following a rigorous screening exercise.
In his comment at the event, President Tinubu said that the appointment of Amupitan was a reflection of the confidence that the Executive and the Legislature had in his competence and integrity.
“Your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity to lead one of our nation’s most vital democratic institutions,” Tinubu stated.
He acknowledged the progress made in Nigeria’s democracy over the past 25 years, but emphasised that sustaining public trust requires continuous improvement and transparency in the electoral system.
“To maintain public trust, electoral integrity must be protected at all stages from registration to voting and collation,” Tinubu said. “We must remain committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in all our processes.”
The president charged the new INEC chairman with building the institutional capacity of the commission, resisting undue influences, and maintaining credibility in future elections.
Professor Amupitan, in his response, promised to reciprocate the confidence placed in him by the President and the Senate, and to organize free, fair, and credible elections.
“I reiterate my determination to uphold the Constitution and protect the laws guiding Nigeria’s electoral process,” he said. “Our mandate is clear to hold elections that reflect the will of the people. The integrity of our elections is not up for sale.”
Amupitan described his appointment as Godly and pledged to engage all stakeholders to produce credible results. “No institution can succeed without cooperation. I will work closely with political parties, civil society, and security agencies to produce credible elections,” he added.
During the taking-over ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan met with directors and pledged to prioritize staff welfare, professional training, and availability of resources to enhance performance.
“To me, welfare of staff is key. We will ensure that you are well taken care of to enable you deliver on this critical national task,” he said.
He also recognized the forthcoming challenges, particularly the Anambra governorship election holding on November 8, 2025, which he described as “a major test of the commission’s resolve.”
Ag. INEC Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, whom Amupitan replaced in office, congratulated him and noted that he was assuming office at a very critical time. She commended the foundation laid by immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, citing the introduction of innovations such as BVAS and IReV which deepened transparency and voters’ trust.
“The foundation has been laid; the path is charted,” Agbamuche-Mbu said. “What is left is consolidation and improvement.”
She hoped that Professor Amupitan’s leadership would build on previous reforms to hold elections that will truly be the voice of Nigerians.
