President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja swore in Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the sixth substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking at the ceremony held in the Council Chamber of the State House, the President charged the new INEC Chairman to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of his duties.
“Your nomination and confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your competence and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu said. “This is the beginning of a challenging but rewarding journey. I trust you will approach your responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999, President Tinubu noted that the country had made remarkable strides in strengthening its institutions, particularly the electoral system.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” he said. “We have consolidated and improved our electoral processes through various reforms and innovations. As we move forward, we must remain committed to democratic principles in our diverse and complex society.”
The President emphasized that the credibility of elections remains central to sustaining democracy, calling for continuous improvements to ensure transparency and fairness.
He highlighted the upcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election as a crucial test for the new INEC leadership.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” Tinubu said. “To maintain public trust, every stage of the process—from registration to voting and counting—must be transparent, non-violent, and trustworthy.”
He urged Prof. Amupitan to safeguard electoral integrity and enhance INEC’s institutional capacity. “No electoral system is flawless, but we must ensure ours is strong, resilient, and protected against any setbacks,” he added.
The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s nomination on October 16. The 58-year-old academic succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who led INEC from 2015 to 2025.
During his Senate screening, Prof. Amupitan outlined plans to reform the electoral process, reinforce INEC’s independence, and rebuild public confidence in the commission.
He assumes office immediately.
