Tinubu Swears In Amupitan as INEC Chairman, Charges Him to Protect Electoral Integrity

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By Odekunle Doyin

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The brief ceremony took place inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the new electoral chief took his oath of office at exactly 1:50 pm.

The President urged Amupitan to guard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the nation’s electoral body.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, said the appointment and Senate confirmation of Professor Amupitan reflected confidence in his capability and integrity.

“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation signify the trust reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu said.

He reminded the new chairman that the task before him was both challenging and historic.

“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have strengthened our institutions and reformed our electoral process. But we must now remain committed to the principles that uphold democracy in a complex society like ours,” Tinubu stated.

He emphasised that free, fair, and credible elections were vital to sustaining public trust in governance.

“To ensure that our democracy flourishes, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach. Every stage from registration to counting must be transparent, non-violent, and credible,” the President added.

‘No System Is Perfect, But We Must Keep Improving’

Tinubu reminded the new INEC leadership that no electoral system is flawless but said it was the Commission’s responsibility to continuously strengthen its operations against manipulation and setbacks.

“I charge you, Professor, to protect the integrity of our elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” he concluded.

Amupitan Pledges Transparency and Teamwork

Moments after his inauguration, Professor Amupitan told State House correspondents that his mission was clear, to deliver elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

“Our mandate is clear, to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that represent the will of Nigerians. To achieve this, we must work together as a disciplined and united team,” he said.

He assured the public that his leadership at INEC would prioritise transparency, discipline, and accountability in all operations.

“As we begin this new chapter, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency,” he affirmed.

Anambra Governorship Poll a Litmus Test — Amupitan

Turning his attention to the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, Professor Amupitan said the poll would serve as a defining test for his leadership and INEC’s commitment to credible elections.

“The Anambra election is not just another exercise. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our readiness to deliver elections that Nigerians can trust,” he said.

He called on INEC staff to see the election as a national duty, pledging that every vote would count.

“The eyes of the nation are on us. Our duty is to ensure that every voter believes their vote truly matters,” Amupitan added.