President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to prioritise transparency, credibility, and non-violence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, shortly after administering the oath of office, Tinubu described Amupitan’s appointment recently confirmed by the Senate as a reflection of confidence in his competence and integrity.
“I urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections, the electoral process, and the institutional capacity of INEC,” Tinubu said. “I wish you success on your first major assignment in November 2025—the Anambra State governorship election.”
The President emphasised that credible polls remained the foundation of public trust and democratic stability. “Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system,” he noted. “To sustain this progress, every stage of the process—from registration to results collation—must be transparent, inclusive, and non-violent.”
Tinubu added that while no electoral system is perfect, continuous improvement is essential to preserving confidence in the process. “Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” he said.
Responding, Amupitan vowed to uphold the Constitution and ensure credible, free, and fair elections. “I reaffirm my commitment to defend the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system,” he said. “Like the President said, I will ensure credible, fair, and free elections.”
The new INEC boss, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, pledged to work closely with political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies, stressing that credible polls depend on collective effort.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC’s longest-serving chairman, who led the commission from 2015 to 2025 and introduced key innovations such as the BVAS and IReV systems.
In his inaugural address to INEC staff at the commission’s headquarters, Amupitan pledged to strengthen institutional integrity, transparency, and staff welfare. He described the upcoming Anambra governorship election as a defining test for his leadership.
“The upcoming election is a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible polls. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and we must rise to the occasion,” he stated.
He assured staff that their welfare would remain a priority, adding, “We will ensure conducive working conditions and provide the tools necessary for excellence.”
Amupitan, who hails from Kogi State, becomes the first INEC chairman from the North-Central region. He described his appointment as a divine call to service. “God is moving in this country, and my coming here is divine,” he said. “INEC has a critical role to play in birthing a new Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Acting INEC Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, handed over the commission’s reins to Amupitan, urging him to build on the legacy of his predecessor. She commended Yakubu for institutional reforms and innovations that strengthened voter confidence.
“Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and expectations have never been higher,” she noted. “You are stepping onto a firm foundation, and I am confident you will lead with wisdom, integrity, and innovation.”
