Janet Samuel
The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan on Thursday formally assumed office with a strong call for unity, professionalism, and uncompromising integrity in the conduct of elections across Nigeria.
Speaking during his first official engagement with staff at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Professor Amupitan said his assumption of duty marks the beginning of a new chapter for the nation’s electoral body, emphasising that the credibility of elections must never be negotiated.
“I want to stress that we must not compromise our values or processes because that will have consequences,” the new INEC boss declared. “The integrity of our elections is not something we should ever put in question. Nigerians must always be confident that their votes count.”
The event followed his formal swearing-in earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. Professor Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his tenure after eight years at the helm of the Commission.
In his remarks, Professor Amupitan expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in him and pledged to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline in discharging his duties. He emphasised that teamwork and collaboration across departments would be central to achieving INEC’s constitutional mandate.
“To achieve credible elections, we must work together as a team,” he said. “Our individual performances must align with the collective goal of the Commission. Let us break down silos, synergise our efforts, and harness our collective expertise to serve Nigeria better.”
He identified the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election slated for November 8, 2025, as a critical test of INEC’s readiness under his leadership. “The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he noted. “This election offers us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible polls.”
Professor Amupitan also assured staff that their welfare would remain a top priority under his administration, recognising their crucial role in ensuring the success of the Commission’s operations nationwide. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff have the resources necessary to excel,” he promised.
Earlier in her remarks, the Acting Chairman, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally handed over to the new Chairman, describing the occasion as a moment of “continuity, renewal, and steadfast commitment to credible elections and good governance.”
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated Professor Amupitan on his appointment, commending his distinguished record as a legal scholar and administrator. She noted that he was assuming office at a crucial time as preparations for the Anambra poll reached an advanced stage, with some national commissioners already on readiness assessment duty in the state.
She lauded the staff of INEC for their professionalism and resilience, expressing confidence that they would give the new Chairman maximum cooperation. “The Commission is blessed with some of the finest and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria,” she said. “They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter.”
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu formally presented the handover notes and supporting documents to the new Chairman, detailing ongoing programmes, administrative matters, and strategic priorities of the Commission. She expressed optimism that under Professor Amupitan’s leadership, INEC would consolidate past gains and soar to greater heights.
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