The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has officially arrived at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja to commence his duties as Nigeria’s chief electoral officer.
Amupitan’s arrival follows his swearing-in earlier today by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, marking the formal start of his tenure. Dressed in a flowing white agbada and gold cap, Amupitan was received by senior INEC officials and staff members who welcomed him with a brief reception and tour of the premises.
In his first address to INEC staff, Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to electoral transparency, institutional independence, and public trust. He stated: “We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored.”
Amupitan, a seasoned legal scholar and professor of law at the University of Jos, was confirmed by the Senate on October 16 after a rigorous screening process. His appointment has been widely viewed as a strategic move to strengthen INEC’s credibility ahead of upcoming elections.
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended after a decade of service. His leadership begins at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for several off-cycle gubernatorial elections and begins planning for the 2027 general elections.