Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu on Thursday officially swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s electoral process.
At the brief ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu described Amupitan’s appointment as both a recognition of merit and a call to serve with honour.
“Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu said. “This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
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The President, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic evolution since 1999, said the nation had recorded notable progress in institutional reforms and must continue to consolidate on electoral transparency.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” he noted. “We have strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly the electoral system, through innovations and reforms. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”
Tinubu emphasized that the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election will be a “litmus test” for the new INEC leadership, urging Amupitan to deliver credible and violence-free polls.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” he said. “All aspects of the process from registration to campaigning, media access, voting, and counting should be transparent, non-violent, and credible.”
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The President urged the new chairman to safeguard the commission from institutional weaknesses and ensure that future elections reflect the genuine will of the people.
“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient, and safeguarded against artificial setbacks,” he added.
Amupitan, who was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to 2025. His nomination was earlier approved by the National Council of State.
Born in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the 58-year-old professor of law is an alumnus of the University of Jos, where he earned his LL.B in 1987, LL.M in 1993, and Ph.D in Law in 2007. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and became a Professor of Law in 2008.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan has spent over three decades lecturing at the University of Jos, specialising in Corporate Governance, Company Law, Law of Evidence, and Privatisation Law.
During his Senate screening, the new INEC boss pledged to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, reinforce institutional independence, and rebuild public confidence in the commission.
He also vowed to strengthen the use of technology in elections, ensure transparent result transmission, and address logistics lapses that had marred past polls.
Observers and civil society organisations have welcomed his appointment but urged him to demonstrate independence and pursue reforms that restore credibility to the nation’s elections.
Amupitan assumed office immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
