President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that Nigeria’s electoral process remains beyond reproach.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held on Thursday at the State House Council Chamber, Abuja, President Tinubu said Amupitan’s nomination and confirmation by the Senate reflected confidence in his capacity, integrity, and competence to lead the nation’s electoral body.
“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.
“This 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,” the President said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic progress, President Tinubu noted that since the return to civil rule in 1999, the country had recorded significant gains in strengthening democratic institutions, particularly the electoral system.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our institutions through innovations and reforms. The integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach because it grants the people the right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” he said.
The President described the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as a “litmus test” for the new INEC leadership, urging Amupitan to ensure the polls are free, fair, transparent, and credible.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” Tinubu said.
“To maintain public trust, all aspects of the process from registration to campaigning, voting, and counting must be transparent, non-violent, and credible. I therefore charge you, Prof. Amupitan, to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasised the need for continuous innovation in the electoral system, stressing that while no election process is flawless, the nation must keep improving to safeguard democracy and build public confidence.
Prof. Amupitan, 58, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to 2025.
During his Senate screening, Amupitan had outlined plans to reform the electoral process, deepen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission.
The swearing-in followed his confirmation by the Senate on October 16. He is expected to assume office immediately.
