…says it beginning of a new chapter
By Mercy Peter
The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, Thursday assumed duty.
This follows the oath office and swearing in ceremony at the presidential villa presided over by President Bola Tinubu, shortly before the National Economic Council meeting.
The INEC boss arrived at the Commission’s headquarters in Maitama at exactly 2.27 pm in a white coaster bus and a motorcade accompanied by the National Commissioners. Clad in white babariga with a traditional cap to match, Amupitan was introduced to the Directors of the Commission who were already seated at the conference hall.
He was accompanied to the Commission headquarters by his wife, who is said to be a Professor; Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor; Registrar of the University of Jos; the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, the Bursar of the university as well as the University Librarian.
Amupitan, who was cleared by the Senate after endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State.
President Tinubu charged him to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission to deliver credible elections.
Prof. Amupitan in his remarks expressed deep gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu and pledged to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in discharging his duties.
“It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today. My appointment is a divine call to serve, not a privilege to be enjoyed. I assure you of my commitment to uphold the integrity and credibility of our electoral processes,” he stated.
Prof. Amupitan described his assumption of office as “the beginning of a new chapter” for Nigeria’s democracy.
He acknowledged the crucial role of the Commission’s staff, noting that INEC’s success depends on teamwork, synergy, and institutional discipline.
“INEC has a constitutional responsibility to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team, leveraging our individual strengths for collective success,” he said.
Amupitan emphasized the importance of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election as a test of the Commission’s resolve to sustain credible electoral standards.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us. The Anambra election offers us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to transparent and credible polls. Let us ensure that every voter is confident that their vote will count,” he urged.
He stressed that the Commission would prioritize staff welfare, describing it as essential to productivity and institutional integrity.
“We expect so much from our staff, and in return, their welfare will be a top priority. We will ensure conducive working conditions and provide the necessary tools to enable every officer to perform optimally,” the new Chairman assured.
Prof. Amupitan also echoed President Tinubu’s charge during his swearing-in, emphasizing that the integrity of elections must never be compromised.
“The integrity of our elections is not negotiable. We must remain firm in our values, because compromising the process has grave consequences for democracy,” he said.
The new INEC boss said his emergence was “divinely orchestrated,” adding that he viewed his appointment as a mission to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“From all indications, I can see that God is moving in this country. My coming here is divine. I have a role to play and together, we will uphold the values of democracy and restore confidence in our electoral system,” he concluded.
Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who had been serving as Acting Chairman, formally handed over to the new substantive Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan,
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu described the day as “a moment of continuity, renewal, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of credible elections and good governance.
She congratulated Prof. Amupitan on his appointment, which she said was a testament to his “distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator, and patriot.”
She noted that the new Chairman was assuming office at a defining moment for the Commission, coming just weeks ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
“You are assuming office at a crucial time when the Commission is in the final stages of preparation for the Anambra election. Four of our National Commissioners are already in Anambra on a readiness assessment visit to ensure that all logistics, materials, and personnel are fully in place,” she said.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu lauded the foundation laid by former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, particularly the introduction of technological innovations such as the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and IReV (INEC Result Viewing Portal), which she said had strengthened transparency and voter confidence.
“The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation, and the forward march,” she emphasized.
She assured Prof. Amupitan of the full support of the Commission’s staff, describing them as “some of the finest, most patriotic, and most professional public servants in Nigeria.”
“The task ahead is enormous, but I have no doubt that you are equal to the challenge. INEC’s staff have repeatedly shown their resilience and sense of duty. They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter,”* she said.
Agbamuche-Mbu presented handover notes and key administrative documents to the new Chairman, expressing confidence that he would continue to build on the institution’s progress.
“I am confident that under your leadership, the Commission will soar to greater heights and further strengthen the foundation of our democracy,” she concluded.
