President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to ensure that Nigeria’s elections remain free, fair and credible under his leadership.
The president made this charge at the swearing in ceremony of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the sixth substantive chairman of INEC held at the State House Council Chamber, on Thursday, according to a statement by his aide, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu described Amupitan’s appointment and Senate confirmation as a reflection of confidence in his capacity and character.
The statement read in part; “Your nomination and subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey. I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
Tinubu added that since Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the country had made notable progress in strengthening democratic institutions through reforms and innovations.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in the electoral system. We must remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society,” he said.
He stressed that the integrity of the electoral process must be beyond reproach, noting that the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election would serve as a litmus test for the new INEC leadership.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.
“To maintain public trust, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process — from registration to campaigning, media access, voting and counting — should be transparent, non-violent and credible,” he added.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the ceremony, Prof. Amupitan pledged to ensure credible, fair and free elections across the country.
“I will defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as they relate to the electoral system. I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free elections, and I will engage all stakeholders to achieve that.”
Amupitan’s ascension as INEC’s chair comes after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had served from 2015 to 2025 before he was laid off by the president few days before his retirement.
