Amupitan assumes office as INEC Chairman, pledges transparent, credible elections

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*Calls Anambra governorship election a litmus test

By Balarabe Oshiafi

Newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), yesterday assumed duty with a pledge to uphold integrity, transparency, and discipline in the nation’s electoral process.
Speaking during an interactive session with staff at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amupitan described his appointment as a “divine call to national service” and vowed to restore public confidence in the electoral system.
“INEC has a constitutional responsibility to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team, leveraging our collective expertise to improve our processes and strengthen voter confidence,” he said.
The new Chairman, who was accompanied by his wife and senior officials from the University of Jos, where he previously served as a law professor, emphasized teamwork and integrity as key to achieving INEC’s mandate.
“The credibility of our elections is not negotiable. We must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote counts. Let us restore that trust by upholding the highest standards of professionalism and transparency,” he stressed.
Amupitan also assured staff of improved welfare, describing it as central to institutional performance.
“Your welfare will be my priority. We are going to expect so much from you, but in return, we will work tirelessly to make sure your working conditions are conducive and that you have the resources to excel,” Amupitan said.
He noted that his first major assignment will be overseeing the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, which he described as a crucial test of the Commission’s readiness.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us. Anambra is not just another election; it is a defining moment for us to demonstrate our commitment to credible polls. Whatever preparation we make is only as effective as the cooperation we get from stakeholders politicians, security agencies, and the public,”he said.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally handed over to Amupitan, describing the moment as one of continuity, renewal, and commitment to democratic ideals.
She congratulated him on his appointment and commended the former Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for laying a solid foundation for electoral innovation and transparency through the deployment of technologies such as BVAS and IReV.
“You are assuming office at a crucial time, but you are not walking into an empty field,” she said. “The Commission is standing on firm and fertile ground. What lies ahead is building, consolidation, and the forward march.”
Agbamuche-Mbu also expressed confidence in the competence and patriotism of INEC staff, assuring the new chairman of their full cooperation.
“The staff of INEC have demonstrated time and again their professionalism and resilience. They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter,” she noted.
She presented handover notes detailing ongoing programmes and administrative priorities, expressing optimism that Amupitan’s tenure would “further strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.”