Abuja — President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and pursue continuous improvements to the electoral process.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at the State House Council Chamber, Tinubu said Amupitan’s nomination and Senate confirmation reflect confidence in his “capacity and character,” adding that the job “marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey.”
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” Tinubu said. “We must remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society. It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible… from registration to campaigning, media access, voting and counting.”
The President identified the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election as an early test for Amupitan’s leadership, urging him to boost INEC’s institutional capacity, protect its independence and ensure transparency across the electoral chain.
Amupitan, 58, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who led INEC from 2015 to 2025. A professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he was confirmed by the Senate on October 16. Speaking to reporters after taking the oath, Amupitan pledged strict fidelity to the Constitution and broad engagement with stakeholders to deliver credible polls. “I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free elections,” he said.
The presidency, through spokesman Bayo Onanuga, framed the appointment as part of a broader effort to consolidate electoral reforms and rebuild public trust following recent cycles marked by logistical bottlenecks and legal controversies. Tinubu urged collaboration with relevant institutions — including identity and communications regulators — to strengthen voter authentication, results management and election security.
Amupitan has signaled plans to audit election technology and operational logistics, overhaul internal compliance and discipline, and deepen communication so the public understands both the limits and safeguards of tools like BVAS and the IReV portal.
“With integrity and transparency as our compass,” he said, “we will work to deliver elections Nigerians can believe in.”
