President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to prioritise transparency and non-violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, saying credible polls remain the foundation of public trust and democratic stability.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja shortly after administering the oath of office on the new INEC boss, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment—confirmed by the Senate a week ago—reflects the confidence of both the executive and legislative arms of government in his competence and character.
“I urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the institutional capacity of INEC. I wish you success on your first major task in November 2025—the Anambra governorship election,” Tinubu said.
The President described Amupitan’s appointment as a call to service, emphasizing that Nigeria’s democracy, which has endured since 1999, must continue to evolve through reforms and transparency.
“Our democracy has come a long way. We have strengthened our democratic institutions, especially our electoral system. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our elections must be beyond reproach,” Tinubu noted.
He maintained that while no electoral system is flawless, credibility and transparency at every stage—from registration and campaigning to voting and results collation—are critical to sustaining public trust.
“To maintain public confidence, every aspect of the process should be transparent, non-violent, and credible. Elections safeguard the people’s right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” he added.
Tinubu urged the INEC chairman to make transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence the guiding principles of future polls.
Shortly after the ceremony, Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution and engage all stakeholders in ensuring credible elections.
“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system. Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and that I will ensure,” he told journalists.
Amupitan said his leadership would work closely with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies, noting that “no matter how well the system is designed, success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman from 2015 to 2025, making him the longest-serving head of the electoral body.
He was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, after his endorsement by the National Council of State.
Upon assuming duties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the electoral process, describing his appointment as a “divine call to serve.”
“The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is a defining moment for the commission. It’s our opportunity to prove our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he said, assuring that “every voter will have confidence that their vote will count.”
He further pledged to make staff welfare a priority, saying, “We will work tirelessly to ensure conducive working conditions and provide the necessary resources for our staff to excel.”
Accompanied by his family and colleagues from the University of Jos, Amupitan expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating that he sees his appointment as part of a divine plan to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Earlier, the Acting INEC Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, officially handed over to Amupitan, describing his appointment as a recognition of his distinguished record and a call to national service.
She said he was assuming office at a crucial time, with preparations already underway for the Anambra election, and praised his predecessor, Prof. Yakubu, for introducing “landmark innovations such as BVAS and IReV, which strengthened transparency and voter confidence.”
“Elections are the lifeblood of democracy,” Agbamuche-Mbu said, expressing confidence that Amupitan will lead with wisdom, integrity, and innovation.
