The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), on Thursday held his first official meeting with directors of the commission shortly after assuming office in Abuja.
Professor Amupitan, who was sworn in earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, arrived at INEC headquarters to a warm reception from top officials and staff.
The meeting, which began around 1:30 p.m., marked his first formal engagement since taking over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended.
Addressing the commission’s directors, Amupitan described his appointment as a “divine call to service”, stressing that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections will remain non-negotiable under his leadership.
He urged the management team to embrace professionalism, transparency, and collective responsibility in executing the commission’s mandate.
“We must ensure that every vote counts and every Nigerian has confidence in the electoral process,” the chairman said. “This task requires unity of purpose, sincerity, and the fear of God.”
Amupitan also promised to prioritise staff welfare and institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency within the electoral body.
According to him, INEC’s credibility depends not only on technology and logistics but also on the commitment and morale of its workforce.
He charged the directors to work as a team ahead of upcoming elections, particularly the Anambra governorship poll scheduled for November 2025 and the FCT Area Council elections in early 2026, which he described as “early tests” for his administration.
The chairman further pledged closer collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies to strengthen public confidence in the electoral system.
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Amupitan’s assumption of office follows the conclusion of Professor Yakubu’s ten-year tenure and his confirmation by the Senate after recommendation by the National Council of State.
With his inaugural meeting concluded, analysts say Amupitan’s leadership will be closely watched as he seeks to deliver credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in the coming months.
