Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) has officially assumed office as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A Formal Inauguration
The ceremony took place on Thursday during an expanded meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC). President Tinubu administered the oath of office and urged the new INEC Chair to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process while reinforcing the commission’s institutional effectiveness.
Background & Confirmation
The appointment of Amupitan follows the conclusion of the tenure of former Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose second five-year term ended in October 2025.
The nomination was first endorsed by the National Council of State and subsequently confirmed by the Senate after a thorough screening.
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A seasoned legal academic from Kogi State, Amupitan is both a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. His profile underscores a strong academic background with extensive experience in governance and legal education.
What He Pledged
Upon taking office at INEC headquarters, Amupitan addressed directors and senior staff, emphasising that the “integrity of our elections is non-negotiable.”
He committed to holding staff accountable, enhancing voter confidence, and ensuring that electoral exercises genuinely reflect the will of Nigerians.
He stated: “Our mandate is clear – to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people … The eyes of the nation are upon us.”
Immediate Challenges
The new INEC Chairman steps in at a critical moment. With off-cycle governorship elections scheduled and the general election cycle in sight, the expectations are high for reforms, technological upgrades, and improved logistics.
