The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has officially assumed office at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, marking the beginning of his tenure as head of the nation’s electoral body.
Following the assumption ceremony, Prof. Amupitan immediately convened an inaugural management meeting with Directors and National Commissioners to review ongoing preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and discuss internal administrative matters.
At the INEC Headquarters on Thursday, Prof. Amupitan met with the National Commissioners and Directors. About 24 Directors were in attendance alongside with Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Registrar, and other top management from the University of Jos.
In his maiden address, the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, vowed to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and discipline in the Commission’s operations, even as he called on staff to work as a united team to deliver free, fair, and credible elections across the country
Speaking at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja shortly after formally assuming office from the Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the new INEC helmsman described his appointment as “a divine call to national service” and emphasized that the credibility of elections is not up for negotiation.
“Our mandate is clear, to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” Prof. Amupitan declared. “To achieve this, we must work together as a team, leveraging our individual expertise and collective experience. The integrity of our elections is not something we should even negotiate. It is the soul of democracy.”
lThe new Chairman, who was accompanied by senior officials of the University of Jos, including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with what he described as “a herculean but noble national assignment.” He noted that while the expectations of Nigerians were high, he was confident that with the cooperation and dedication of INEC staff nationwide, the Commission would deliver on its constitutional mandate.
Prof. Amupitan assured staff that their welfare would be given top priority under his leadership, describing them as “the engine room of the Commission.”
“We are going to be expecting so much from you,” he said, “and it is only fair that we also give so much to those from whom we expect much. Your welfare will be a priority. We will ensure that your working conditions are conducive and that you have the resources to excel.”
The new Chairman particularly referenced the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election slated for November 8, 2025, calling it a critical test of the Commission’s commitment to credible polls.
“The Anambra election is not just another electoral exercise,” he said. “It is an opportunity for us to show Nigerians and the world that INEC remains committed to free, fair, and credible elections. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and we must rise to the occasion.”
He urged staff to close ranks, break down silos and maintain synergy across departments, noting that unity and collaboration would be essential for the Commission’s success.
“Let’s restore the confidence of every voter that their vote counts,” he emphasized. “We must end voter apathy and rebuild trust in the process.”
Earlier, in a brief but heartfelt Handover remark, the Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, congratulated the new Chairman on his appointment and assured him of the full support of the Commission’s staff.
Describing the day as “a moment of continuity and renewal,” she lauded Prof. Amupitan’s distinguished record and expressed confidence that his tenure would build upon the strong institutional foundation laid by his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
“You are not walking into an empty field,” Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu said. “The Commission has been blessed with a team of dedicated and patriotic staff who will stand firmly with you as you lead INEC into its next chapter.”
She also noted that preparations for the Anambra election were already at an advanced stage, with four National Commissioners currently in the state for a readiness assessment visit to ensure logistics and personnel were fully in place.
While presenting the official handover notes, the Acting Chairman commended the dedication and professionalism of INEC staff across the country and expressed optimism that under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, the Commission would “soar to greater heights and further strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.”
The brief but symbolic ceremony was attended by the Wife and Children of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, senior officials, members of the INEC Press Corps, and family members of the new Chairman.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, a distinguished scholar and legal luminary, becomes the sixth substantive Chairman of INEC since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Prof. Amupitan, a renowned scholar and former Vice-Chancellor, was recently confirmed by the Senate following his nomination by President Tinubu to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this month.
INEC officials and stakeholders have expressed optimism that his leadership will build on ongoing electoral reforms and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The new Chairman’s assumption comes at a critical time as the Commission intensifies preparations for the Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and other electoral activities across the country.