PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to uphold transparency, patriotism, and integrity in managing Nigeria’s elections.
The swearing-in ceremony took place yesterday at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja.
It followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment on October 16, marking the start of what the President described as a “challenging but rewarding journey” for the new electoral chief.
Tinubu underscored that the credibility of elections remains vital to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. To ensure it flourishes, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” he said.
He pointed to the upcoming Anambra governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as the first major test of Amupitan’s leadership, urging him to guarantee a free, fair, and credible poll.
The President further encouraged continuous innovation and reform within INEC, insisting that transparency and non-violence must define every stage of the electoral process—from voter registration to the final collation of results.
Shortly after the ceremony, Amupitan, 58, assumed duty at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure concluded earlier this year.
During his Senate screening, the new INEC Chairman had pledged to strengthen the commission’s independence, implement reforms, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.