President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, October 23, 2025, swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the sixth substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The brief ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by state governors and key cabinet members.
In his remarks, President Tinubu charged the new INEC boss to serve with integrity, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to democratic values, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process must remain “beyond reproach.”
“Your nomination and confirmation by the Senate reflect your competence and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government,” Tinubu said. “This appointment marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey. I trust you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity and dedication.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy, the President noted that the nation had made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions but must remain committed to transparency and fairness.
“Our elections must be free, fair, and credible. We must constantly improve our processes, address past challenges, and innovate for the future,” he added.
Tinubu described the upcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 8, 2025, as a “litmus test” for the new INEC leadership, urging Amupitan to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot and reinforce public confidence in the Commission.
In his response, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and ensure transparent, credible, and peaceful elections across the country.
“I have been given a clear charge to deliver credible, fair, and free elections. I will defend the Constitution and engage all stakeholders because success in the electoral process requires collective effort,” he said.
The 58-year-old legal scholar succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who led INEC from 2015 to 2025. During his Senate screening, Amupitan outlined plans to reform the electoral system, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s elections.
