By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the sixth substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging him to uphold integrity and transparency in managing Nigeria’s electoral process.
At a brief ceremony held at the State House Council Chamber, Abuja, President Tinubu described Amupitan’s appointment and Senate confirmation as a vote of confidence in his competence and patriotism, stressing that his leadership must reflect the highest ethical standards.
“Your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislature,” Tinubu said.
“This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey. I trust that you will approach your responsibility with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” he added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the President said the nation had made notable strides in consolidating democratic institutions and refining electoral processes through reforms and innovation.
He, however, cautioned that sustaining democracy required an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Our democracy has come a long way. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin it,” Tinubu noted.
“The integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach. It is what grants citizens the right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” he said.
The President identified the forthcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election as the first major test for the new INEC leadership, emphasizing the need for a credible and violence-free exercise.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” Tinubu said, adding that “From registration to campaigning, voting, and counting, every aspect must be transparent and non-violent. To maintain public trust, electoral integrity must be protected at all times.”
He charged Prof. Amupitan to strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, build resilience against manipulation, and safeguard the commission from “artificial setbacks” that could undermine public confidence.
Amupitan, 58, who succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu after a decade-long tenure from 2015 to 2025, had earlier pledged during his Senate screening to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, deepen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission.
The new INEC Chairman is expected to assume office immediately.
