…Resumes Office at INEC Headquarters, Calls for Cooperation President Bola Tinubu has formally inaugurated Professor Joash Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu in this role. The Professor of Law was sworn in as INEC Chairman at the presidential villa on Thursday, a week after Senate confirmation
…Resumes Office at INEC Headquarters, Calls for Cooperation
President Bola Tinubu has formally inaugurated Professor Joash Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu in this role. The Professor of Law was sworn in as INEC Chairman at the presidential villa on Thursday, a week after Senate confirmation on October 16.
President Tinubu urged the new INEC chairman to protect Nigeria’s electoral integrity and strengthen the commission’s capacity.
“As Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation reflect confidence in your capacity by both the Executive and the Legislature.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. To keep it strong, we must ensure that our electoral process remains free, fair, and credible.
“I therefore charge you, Professor, to protect the integrity of our elections and strengthen INEC’s institutional framework,” President Tinubu said.
Before his confirmation, Professor Amupitan was nominated by the President during a meeting with the Council of State, in which all members of the state in attendance also approved his nomination.
Speaking during his screening, the 58-year-old law professor outlined plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral process, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public confidence in the electoral body.
After his swearing-in, he went directly to the INEC headquarters to assume the office of the helmsman of the commission in the company of his family and some of his friends. He also interacted with some of the staff and directors of the commission.
During the interaction, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, one of the most senior officers of the commission, in an acting capacity as a chairman since the exit of Professor Yakubu Mahmood as the immediate past substantive chairman, handed over to the new substantive chairman of the commission.
In her handing over speech, she extended congratulations to the new chairman, noting that he will take on responsibilities related to reforming the country’s electoral system and enhancing governance.
She referenced the commission’s strong preparation for the Anambra election and highlighted the staff’s readiness to support the new chairman. She noted that the incoming chairman will benefit from a solid foundation established by his predecessor, who advanced the commission through effective leadership in technology and other initiatives.
“Today marks a significant moment in the life of our commission and indeed our nation’s democratic journey. It is a day of continuity, renewal, and steadfast commitment to the ideal of credible elections and good governance. You are assuming the office at the most critical time, a period when the commission is at its final stage of preparation, scheduled for the 8th of November 2025. With a deep sense of duty, we will stand firmly with you into this next chapter, and I can say with confidence that the staff of INEC are happy to welcome you,” she said
Addressing the staff of the commission after the handing over, Professor Amupitan promised to protect the integrity of the Nigerian electoral system. He further assured the country and the commission of his desire to ensure the Nigerian electoral system is rebirthed into more accountability and transparency.
He further stressed the need to be disciplined and committed to electoral integrity in Nigeria. He also assured the staff of the commission of adequate welfare, stating that, as the country is expecting much from them, they must also be well catered for.
Speaking about the mandate ahead with the Anambra election and other polls ahead, Professor Amupitan said he is ready to deliver free and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people, and to achieve that, he called for togetherness to work together as a team.
“We need skills and expertise to strengthen our institutions and improve our own process. So, it’s we are differently amended. And the essence is to talk about the team. Of this meeting of Black knowledge, the critical role that we are shaping the democracy in Nigeria, especially in Nigeria.
“The upcoming Anambra state governorship electoral exercises will give us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the elections. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to work together in unity, and there should be that synergy and collaboration among our various units, as I have been informed.
“The credibility of our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter is still confident.
He called for the restoration of the confidence of every voter that whenever there’s an election, their vote will be counted, so that we can address the issue of voter apathy in Nigeria. Let us break down silos, foster open communications, and create an environment where every voice is heard and valued. It will be a priority because we expect a lot from you.
“So, you also need to give so much to those you are expecting much from. It is going to be a priority. And I assure you that we will work assiduously and tirelessly to make sure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to execute”, he said.
