President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with a firm charge to safeguard the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja, marked the official commencement of what President Tinubu described as a “challenging yet rewarding journey” for the newly appointed INEC boss. Amupitan’s appointment was confirmed by the Senate on October 16.
In his address, President Tinubu urged the new chairman to serve with integrity, patriotism, and transparency, stressing that credible elections remain the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic growth.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. To ensure it flourishes, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” the President said.
Tinubu highlighted the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as the first major test of Amupitan’s leadership. He called on the new INEC chief to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections, devoid of manipulation or violence.
The President also emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform within the electoral system, insisting that transparency must guide every phase of the process — from voter registration to vote collation and announcement of results.
Shortly after the swearing-in, Amupitan, 58, arrived at the INEC headquarters in Abuja to formally assume office, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this year.
During his Senate screening, Amupitan pledged to reform the commission, strengthen its institutional independence, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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