The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday formally welcomed its newly appointed Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, marking the start of a new chapter in the Commission’s leadership. The handover ceremony, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was attended by top management staff and dignitaries from across the country.
In her opening remarks, Acting Chairman Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu presented the official handover documents to Professor Amupitan, describing the occasion as “a significant moment in the life of our Commission and our nation’s democratic journey.”
She noted that the new Chairman’s assumption of office comes at a critical juncture, with final preparations underway for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
“You are assuming office at a most crucial time,” she said, explaining that four National Commissioners were already in Anambra on a readiness assessment. “Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.”
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu assured Professor Amupitan that he was taking over a well-grounded institution built by his predecessors, and praised INEC’s staff as “some of the finest, most experienced, and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria.”
During the ceremony, the new Chairman was formally introduced to INEC’s 23 departmental directors, described as the Commission’s “generals on the field of electioneering.”
The event also featured a delegation from the University of Jos, Professor Amupitan’s alma mater, led by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, along with the Registrar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Bursar, and Librarian — a gesture symbolizing the university’s pride in its alumnus. The new Chairman’s wife, Professor Yemisi Amupitan, and their children were also in attendance.
In his inaugural address, Professor Amupitan expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility that comes with leading Nigeria’s electoral body.
He pledged to uphold integrity, transparency, and discipline in the discharge of his duties, with a focus on rebuilding public trust in the electoral process. Turning his attention to the imminent Anambra election, he described it as “a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.”
“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion,” he said, emphasizing the need to restore voter confidence and combat voter apathy.
Calling for closer collaboration within INEC, Professor Amupitan urged staff to “break down silos, foster open communication, and create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.”
He also announced that staff welfare would be a key priority of his administration.
“We will expect a lot from you, but we must also be honest enough to meet your expectations,” he assured, promising fairness and justice in all dealings.
Professor Amupitan concluded with a message of optimism and collective resolve:
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly to strengthen the legitimacy of our elections.”
