Tinubu Swears in Prof. Amupitan as New INEC Chairman, Charges Him to Uphold Electoral Integrity

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a ceremony steeped in democratic significance, President Bola Tinubu swore in Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the sixth substantive chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday at the State House Council Chamber.

Tasking the new chairman with a mandate to serve with unwavering integrity, Tinubu emphasized the critical role of credible elections in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Addressing Amupitan, Tinubu underscored the weight of the responsibility, describing his Senate-confirmed appointment as a reflection of trust in his capacity to lead.

“Your nomination and confirmation by the Senate testify to your ability and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms,” Tinubu said. “I trust you will approach this responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”

The President highlighted Nigeria’s democratic evolution since 1999, noting significant strides in strengthening institutions and refining electoral processes through reforms and innovations.

“We have consolidated our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems,” he said. “But to ensure our democracy flourishes, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”

With the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025, Tinubu described the poll as a critical test for Amupitan’s leadership. He urged the new chairman to prioritize transparency, non-violence, and credibility across all stages of the electoral process—from voter registration to vote counting.

“It is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring they are robust, resilient, and safeguarded against setbacks,” Tinubu added.

Amupitan, a 58-year-old academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman from 2015 to 2025.

During his Senate screening on October 16, Amupitan outlined an ambitious vision to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, bolster INEC’s institutional independence, and restore public trust in the commission. He assumes office immediately, facing the challenge of steering INEC through a complex electoral landscape.

As Nigeria approaches another defining moment in its democratic journey, all eyes will be on Amupitan to deliver on the promise of free, fair, and credible elections, starting with the Anambra litmus test.