President Bola Tinubu on Thursday officially swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling on him to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s elections and strengthen citizens’ trust in democracy.
The brief but symbolic ceremony took place at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja and was witnessed by top government officials, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Amupitan’s appointment was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on October 16 following a recommendation from the President. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose two-term tenure concluded earlier this year after overseeing Nigeria’s 2019 and 2023 general elections.
Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office, Tinubu said Amupitan’s leadership would be crucial as the country enters another election cycle.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” Tinubu said. “To ensure it flourishes, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach. Every Nigerian must have confidence that their vote counts, and that the system will protect that right.”
The President described the appointment as both an honour and a test, noting that INEC under Amupitan would be judged not only by how elections are conducted but also by how the institution reforms itself internally to meet global democratic standards.
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Tinubu singled out the forthcoming Anambra governorship election — scheduled for November 8 2025 — as a “litmus test” for the new chairman’s administration. He tasked Amupitan with guaranteeing free, fair, and peaceful polls while deploying technology responsibly to prevent manipulation.
“INEC must remain neutral, professional, and efficient. Nigerians demand and deserve elections that are not only credible but also reflective of their aspirations,” Tinubu said.
The President also promised full support from the executive arm, pledging that the government would provide the commission with resources and security cooperation to perform its duties effectively.
Shortly after taking his oath, Amupitan thanked the President and the Senate for the confidence reposed in him. He promised to prioritise institutional integrity, strengthen internal capacity, and rebuild the public’s trust in the electoral body.
“I am deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with this office,” Amupitan said in his first official statement as INEC chairman. “Our people have lost confidence in the process, but we will work tirelessly to restore that confidence through openness, accountability, and the credible use of technology.”
Amupitan, aged 58, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a respected constitutional lawyer who previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos.
During his Senate screening, he pledged to review INEC’s operational structure, strengthen the independence of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and improve logistics management to prevent the delays that have marred previous elections.
After the swearing-in, Amupitan visited INEC’s headquarters in Abuja to assume office formally. Top directors and department heads were on hand to receive him as he addressed staff for the first time, outlining his vision for a more accountable and responsive institution.
He noted that the commission would embark on an internal audit of its processes before the end of the year, including voter registration systems, election materials handling, and technological infrastructure.