From David Onuoja, Abuja
The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has taken over the affairs of the Commission in Maitama Abuja, Thursday; with a promise to pursuing credible and transparent election in Nigeria.
Professor Amupitan was sworn-in earlier at the State House, Abuja, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu charged the new chairman to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of the commission.
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“As Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation reflect confidence in your capacity by both the Executive and the Legislature.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. To keep it strong, we must ensure that our electoral process remains free, fair, and credible.
“I therefore charge you, Professor, to protect the integrity of our elections and strengthen INEC’s institutional framework,” Tinubu said.
The newly sworn-in chairman, who was later ushered into the INEC headquarters by members of his family and close friends, says his appointment was divinely orchestrated.
In his inaugural speech, Amupitan highlighted the importance of integrity, transparency, in fulfilling INEC’s constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, starting with the upcoming Anambra governorship poll.
He also called for unity among stakeholders to restore voter confidence and address voter apathy.
“I am indeed very honored to be with you today as your new chairman and as we’ve marked the beginning of a new chapter.
“I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations.
“I want to give you that assurance and also to let you know that our mandate is very clear as INEC. INEC has a constitutional responsibility and a statutory mandate as we all know.
“Our mandate is clear and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of Nigerian people.
“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivotal opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. The eyes of the nation are upon us and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.”
Amupitan said staff welfare will be his priority, adding that he could see the efforts.
Amupitan said staff welfare will be his priority. “It is going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” he said.
“So you need also to give so much to who you are expecting much from. Your welfare is going to be a priority and I assure you that we’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with necessary resources to excel.”
The INEC chairman expressed enthusiasm about his new role, adding that through team work, the values of democracy can be strengthened for credibility of elections.
”I want to thank you for your commitment, your service, and I look forward to working closely with all of you as we embark on this very, very important mission. For us, I am here for a purpose,” he said.
Earlier, during the handing over and taking over, the outgoing acting Chairman, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, said it is a day of continuity, renewal, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of credible elections and good governance.
“Your appointment is not only a recognition of your distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator and patriot but also a call to national service of the highest order.
“You are assuming office at a most crucial time; a period when the Commission is at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 8th November 2025.
“You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, under whose leadership the Commission recorded landmark innovations; from the introduction of technology driven processes such as the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence. The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation and the forward march.
“The staff of INEC have demonstrated time and again their resilience, professionalism and deep sense of duty in the service of our democracy. They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter.
“In my hands are the handover notes and supporting documents that contain details of the Commission’s ongoing programmes, administrative matters, and strategic priorities. These documents will, I trust, help you to settle in quickly and continue the work seamlessly”, she said.
Amupitan becomes the sixth substantive chairman of the electoral body since the return of democracy in 1999.
