Nigeria’s new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, on Thursday formally assumed office in Abuja, vowing to uphold integrity, transparency, and credibility in the nation’s electoral process.
Amupitan, who earlier took the oath of office before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, described his appointment as a divine call to national service.
“I consider this a divine assignment… God has directed this step and I must obey. I am here to contribute my part to the making of a new Nigeria,” he said during the handover ceremony at INEC headquarters.
Taking over from Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who served as Acting Chairman following the departure of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Amupitan promised to place staff welfare, professional development and operational excellence at the heart of his leadership.
‘Our Mandate Is Sacred’
The new electoral chief affirmed that the Commission’s core responsibility remains delivering elections that reflect the will of voters.
“Our duty is simple but sacred to deliver elections that are free, fair and credible. The integrity of our process must never be compromised. Nigerians must continue to believe that their votes truly count,” he stated.
He assured that INEC would remain firm, impartial, and guided only by the law.
All Eyes on Anambra
Ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, Amupitan acknowledged the pressure on the Commission to demonstrate readiness and earn public trust.
“The task before us is great, but together, we will overcome. The eyes of Nigerians are on us, and we must prove we deserve their confidence,” he said.
Continuity and Stability Recognized
Agbamuche-Mbu, in her remarks, hailed the new Chairman’s credentials as a scholar, administrator, and patriot, describing his assumption of duty as a “renewal of INEC’s commitment to credible polls.”
She maintained that he is stepping into leadership at a crucial time, noting that:
Four National Commissioners are currently in Anambra for a pre-election readiness assessment
INEC is consolidating on technological innovations such as BVAS and IReV introduced under Yakubu’s tenure
“The foundation is strong, and the path clearly defined. What remains is building, consolidation and forward march,” she said while handing over transition documents.
She expressed confidence that Amupitan’s leadership would “scale new heights” and strengthen democratic processes nationwide.
Surrounded by his family and senior colleagues from the University of Jos, Amupitan assured staff of a supportive environment where professionalism and accountability thrive.
“We will expect the best and we will provide the best conditions for you to deliver,” he pledged.
