Professor Joash Amupitan, on Thursday, officially assumed duties as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Mr Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of law, took the oath of office during an expanded meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Council Chambers of the State House.
In his address, President Tinubu tasked the new INEC chief with safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening the commission’s institutional framework.
“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,” Mr Tinubu said.
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He emphasized that all aspects of the electoral process — from registration and campaigning to voting and counting — must remain transparent, non-violent, and credible to maintain public trust.
“No electoral system is flawless. But since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring they are robust, resilient, and safeguarded against artificial setbacks,” the president added.
Amupitan Pledges Credible, Inclusive Elections
Shortly after his swearing-in, Professor Amupitan arrived at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja around 2:40 p.m., accompanied by the Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, national commissioners, and the commission’s secretary.
He is expected to meet with INEC directors and management staff as part of initial assumption protocols.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Amupitan pledged to uphold the president’s charge by ensuring credible, free, and fair elections through inclusive stakeholder engagement.
“Like the president said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections. I will ensure that is done. I’m also going to engage all stakeholders because no matter how you set the bar, success depends on collective effort,” he said.
Profile of the New INEC Chairman
Professor Joash Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A distinguished academic and legal scholar, he began his teaching career at the University of Jos in 1989, where he rose to become a professor of law.
READ ALSO: Senate Confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman
He attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and specializes in company law, evidence, corporate governance, and privatization law.
His appointment was unanimously approved by the National Council of State following nomination by President Tinubu and confirmation by the Senate.
Upcoming Electoral Responsibilities
As INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan faces immediate tests of leadership with two major elections on the horizon:
Anambra governorship election in November 2025, and
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections in February 2026.
Political observers say these polls will serve as an early measure of his reform agenda and commitment to transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Dignitaries Witness Swearing-In
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by key political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
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Also present were Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, House Leader Julius Ihonbvere, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Head of the Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack, and several cabinet ministers.
Following the ceremony, the monthly NEC meeting commenced with Vice President Shettima presiding, alongside state governors and key federal officials.
