BY EDMOND ODOK – President Bola Tinubu has tasked the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to serve with integrity as he assumes duties as head of the nation’s electoral body.
This is as the President also challenged him to ensure Nigeria’s elections remain free, fair and credible going forward.
President Tinubu, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday after swearing in Amupitan as the sixth substantive Chairman of INEC, President Tinubu described his appointment and eventual confirmation by the Senate as a true reflection of confidence in his capacity and character.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the President as saying: “Your nomination and subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey. I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
Further reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, President Tinubu said notable progress has been made in the area of strengthening democratic institutions through reforms and innovations within the system.
He said, “Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in the electoral system. We must remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.”
On the integrity of the electoral process, the President said measures must be in place to ensure it is beyond reproach and deviod of manipulation, stressing that the Anambra governorship poll slated for November 8, 2025, would serve as a litmus test for the new INEC leadership.
Importantly, the President said, “It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.
“To maintain public trust, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process — from registration to campaigning, media access, voting and counting — should be transparent, non-violent and credible,” he added.
The President charged Prof. Amupitan to strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity and safeguard the electoral system against setbacks.
The swearing-in followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s nomination on October 16.
Prof Amupitan, who spoke briefly with State House correspondents immediately after the event, said he has a clear mandate to ensure credible, fair and free elections nationwide.
According to him, “I will defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as they relate to the electoral system. I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free elections, and I will engage all stakeholders to achieve that,” he said.
The 58 years old Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman for 10 years between 2015 and 2025.
Nigerians have continued to express their views concerning him appointment even as he pledges to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, and strengthen institutional independence, while also rebuilding public confidence in the electoral umpire
