From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, officially assumed office on Thursday in Abuja, pledging to maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline in our operations,” Amupitan said shortly after taking over as the Commission’s Chairman.
Sworn in earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the new INEC boss promised to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that would reflect the true will of Nigerians.
“Our mandate is clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Addressing INEC directors and management staff, Professor Amupitan emphasized institutional integrity, teamwork, and collaboration as essential values for achieving the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities.
“To achieve this, we must work together, leveraging our skills and expertise to improve our processes. The goal is to align our capacities to meet our electoral mandate,” he said.
Describing his appointment as a “divine call to national service,” the Chairman noted that election credibility is vital to restoring voter confidence. He also pledged to prioritize staff welfare and improve working conditions across all departments of the Commission.
Amupitan identified the upcoming Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as a key test for his leadership and INEC’s operational readiness.
“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 remarked.
He expressed appreciation to the immediate past Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, for her leadership and service during the transition period, acknowledging her efforts in steering the Commission ahead of the upcoming polls.
“I want to thank you for your commitment and service. I look forward to working closely with all of you as we carry forward this important national mission,” Amupitan said.
It was observed that Professor Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of Law at the University of Jos, is the eighth person to hold the position since the Commission’s establishment.
Earlier, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated Professor Amupitan, describing his appointment as a recognition of his record as a legal scholar, administrator, and patriot.
She noted that his assumption of office comes at a defining moment for the Commission, which is finalizing preparations for the Anambra State governorship election.
“The task ahead is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher,” she said.
According to her, Amupitan is inheriting a strong institutional foundation built by his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, particularly through the introduction of technology-driven reforms such as BVAS and IReV, which enhanced transparency and voter confidence.
“The foundation has been laid, the path is defined. What lies ahead is consolidation and progress. I have no doubt you are equal to the task,” she added.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu assured that INEC’s management and staff are ready to support the new Chairman in advancing credible and inclusive elections across the country.