Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has formally taken office as the new Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the nation’s electoral process.
Professor Amupitan, who was sworn in earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made his maiden address at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, marking a smooth transition from the acting chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Pledge to Uphold Credibility
In his address, Professor Amupitan described his appointment as a “divine call to national service” and set a clear mandate for the commission.
“Our mandate is clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he stated. He stressed the importance of institutional integrity and teamwork among staff, insisting that “credibility in our elections is paramount” to restoring voter confidence.
The new chairman immediately identified the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as a critical litmus test for his leadership and INEC’s operational efficiency.
“The Anambra election is not just another electoral exercise — it is an opportunity to demonstrate our renewed commitment to transparency and fairness. The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he said.
Focus on Staff Welfare and Transition
Professor Amupitan, who becomes the eighth INEC Chairman, also promised to make staff welfare a top priority, acknowledging the enormous expectations placed on the commission’s personnel nationwide.
The outgoing acting chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, congratulated him, noting that he was taking office at a “most crucial time” and stepping onto a foundation built on key technological innovations like the BVAS and IReV.
The successful assumption of duty sees Professor Amupitan replacing Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently concluded. His leadership will be judged on the outcome of the Anambra poll, which is widely viewed as the first major barometer of the commission’s renewed credibility.
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