The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to defend Nigeria’s electoral laws and safeguard the integrity of the Constitution in the discharge of his duties.
Amupitan made the pledge on Thursday while addressing journalists shortly after his swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
“As you are aware, I have just taken the oath of allegiance and the oath of office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Amupitan said.
“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly as they relate to the nation’s electoral system.”
The INEC Chairman disclosed that President Tinubu had given him a clear mandate to ensure free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
“Not only will I ensure that this is achieved, but I will also engage all stakeholders,” he added. “No matter how success is measured, it requires the cooperation of everyone.”
Amupitan, however, declined to comment on the upcoming Anambra governorship election, explaining that he would do so only after receiving detailed briefings from INEC’s national commissioners.
Earlier on Thursday, President Tinubu administered the oath of office to Amupitan, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate on October 16 after a rigorous screening process.
The new INEC boss later arrived at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja to formally assume office, accompanied by his family members and close associates.
Amupitan becomes the sixth substantive head of the electoral body since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu urged him to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, strengthen INEC’s institutional independence, and ensure that elections at all levels reflect the true will of the people.
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