Abuja: President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging credible and transparent elections. Tinubu administered the oath of office during an expanded National Economic Council meeting at the State House Council Chambers, Abuja. The president tasked Amupitan to protect the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Amupitan's appointment followed unanimous approval by the National Council of State, after President Tinubu's nomination and Senate confirmation. Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014, specializing in company law, evidence, corporate governance, and privatisation law.
The president emphasized the importance of free, fair, and credible elections, urging continuous improvement of the electoral process. '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,' Tinubu stated. He also highlighted the need to align Nigeria's electoral processes with international best practices.
Speaking after the ceremony, Amupitan pledged to engage stakeholders to ensure free, fair, and credible elections across the country. 'Like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections,' Amupitan remarked. He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders to achieve electoral success.
As INEC Chairman, Amupitan's immediate tasks include overseeing the Anambra governorship election in November and the FCT Area Council elections in February 2026. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Other dignitaries included Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, House Leader Julius Ihonbvere, SGF George Akume, Head of Service Didi Walson-Jack, and several ministers.