President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and strengthen public confidence in democracy.
The brief ceremony, held at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja, followed Amupitan’s confirmation by the Senate on October 16.
Tinubu described the appointment as the start of a “challenging yet rewarding journey,” urging the new INEC chief to serve with integrity, patriotism, and transparency.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” the President said. “To ensure it flourishes, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”
He identified the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as a litmus test for Amupitan’s leadership, emphasizing the need for free, fair, and credible polls.
The President also called for continuous reforms and innovation in the electoral process, stressing that transparency and non-violence must guide every stage—from voter registration to vote counting.
After the ceremony, Amupitan, 58, proceeded to INEC headquarters in Abuja to formally assume office.
During his Senate screening, the professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria pledged to reform the commission, enhance its independence, and restore public trust in Nigeria’s elections.
He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this year.
