By Our Correspondent
In his first public address as the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan SAN has pledged to uphold the integrity of Nigerias electoral process, assuring citizens that the commission will conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
Sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on October 23, 2025, Prof Amupitan emphasized that the mandate of INEC is non-negotiable when it comes to delivering elections that reflect the true will of the Nigerian people. He stated that their duty is clear to organize elections that are transparent, credible, and above manipulation, reiterating his commitment to impartiality and fairness.
During his Senate screening on October 16, 2025, Prof Amupitan had already signaled his determination to restore public confidence in the electoral system. He affirmed that under his leadership, election outcomes would be so credible that even losing candidates would willingly congratulate the winners. In line with this commitment, he promised to audit the INEC Results Viewing IReV portal to address technical glitches that have previously eroded trust in election results.
A distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu who led INEC for ten years. In his first official meeting with INEC directors, he described his appointment as a divine call to service and emphasized the importance of collaboration with political stakeholders, civil society, and the electorate to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025 will serve as the first major test of Prof Amupitans leadership. He reiterated that the commission’s focus will remain on delivering elections that genuinely reflect the people’s choice.
President Tinubu at the swearing-in ceremony tasked the new INEC chairman with safeguarding the integrity of Nigerias electoral system and strengthening the commissions institutional capacity. The President stressed the need for continuous improvements to maintain public trust and reinforce democratic principles.
Prof Amupitans appointment signals a renewed commitment to electoral transparency in Nigeria. With an emphasis on fairness, accountability, and the strict enforcement of electoral laws, his leadership is expected to redefine public confidence in the nations democratic processes.
