President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), urging him to uphold integrity and maintain transparency in the nation’s electoral process.
The ceremony, held at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja, marks the formal assumption of office by Amupitan as the sixth substantive head of the electoral body, following his confirmation by the Senate on October 16. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in 2025.
Addressing the new INEC boss, President Tinubu said his appointment reflects confidence in his capacity to lead the Commission with “the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” the President said. “We must remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”
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Tinubu identified the forthcoming Anambra governorship election on November 8, 2025, as a major test for the new INEC leadership, emphasizing the need for free, fair, and credible polls.
“It is important that our elections are transparent, non-violent, and credible,” he stated. “We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday while innovating for today and tomorrow.”
He charged the new INEC Chairman to protect the credibility of the nation’s elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission to ensure robust and resilient democratic systems.
Professor Amupitan, 58, is expected to prioritize reforms aimed at enhancing electoral transparency, institutional independence, and public trust in the Commission.
