President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to serve with integrity and a strong sense of accountability.
The ceremony, held at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja, marked the official commencement of Amupitan’s tenure as the sixth substantive INEC Chairman, following his confirmation by the Senate on October 16.
Tinubu described Amupitan’s appointment as a testament to his competence and the confidence reposed in him by both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“Your nomination and subsequent confirmation are evidence of your capability and the trust placed in you. This is the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey. I expect you to discharge your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” the President said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, Tinubu noted that the nation had made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions through reforms and innovation.
“Our democracy has evolved over the past 25 years. We have consolidated our systems and learned valuable lessons along the way. To keep democracy thriving, the integrity of our electoral process must remain beyond reproach,” he added.
The President emphasized that the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election would serve as a major test for Amupitan’s leadership. He called for continuous improvement in the electoral system to ensure credibility, transparency, and public confidence.
“Elections must be free, fair, and credible. Every aspect of the process, from registration to counting, should be transparent and non-violent. While no system is perfect, our duty is to keep strengthening INEC to safeguard democracy,” Tinubu stated.
Prof. Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who led the commission from 2015 to 2025. During his Senate screening, Amupitan, aged 58, outlined plans to reform the electoral process, reinforce institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission.
The new INEC Chairman is expected to assume office immediately.
