Abuja, Nigeria — October 21, 2025
The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), is expected to officially assume office next week, as preparations intensify for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.
Amupitan’s assumption of office comes at a decisive moment for Nigeria’s electoral process, with heightened expectations from political stakeholders, civil society groups, and the international community for credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections.
Smooth Transition Expected at INEC Headquarters
According to senior INEC sources, the outgoing chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has been overseeing transition activities, is expected to hand over formally in Abuja before the end of the week. The ceremony will mark the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s electoral management.
“All is set for Prof. Amupitan’s assumption of duty. The formal handover is being finalized and will take place before next week to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the Anambra governorship poll,” an INEC official confirmed on Tuesday.
Prof. Amupitan’s appointment was ratified earlier this month by the Nigerian Senate, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Lawmakers had unanimously endorsed him after a screening session where he pledged to prioritize credibility, voter confidence, and institutional independence in election management.
Profile of Prof. Joash Amupitan
Prof. Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and renowned constitutional law expert, previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos. Over the past two decades, he has been actively involved in national legal reforms and electoral policy research.
He also served as a consultant to several constitutional review committees and was a member of the Electoral Reform Technical Committee that reviewed post-election dispute mechanisms.
Analysts say his legal background and experience in public law make him well-suited to lead INEC at a time when electoral credibility and judicial interventions remain under scrutiny.
Challenges Ahead: Anambra Election as First Major Test
The Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, will be Prof. Amupitan’s first major test in office. The election is expected to be fiercely contested among the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — the ruling party in the state.
INEC has already released the final list of candidates and is conducting stakeholder engagements to ensure peaceful and credible polls. However, security concerns and voter apathy remain major challenges.
Speaking during his Senate confirmation hearing, Amupitan emphasized that his administration would prioritize electoral integrity, technological transparency, and timely logistics deployment, particularly in areas with difficult terrain or security threats.
“We will ensure that every vote counts, and every Nigerian can trust that the outcome of any election truly reflects the will of the people,” he vowed.
Stakeholders’ Expectations
Stakeholders in the electoral process have expressed optimism about Amupitan’s appointment, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessor while addressing lingering issues around logistics, technology, and electoral justice.
Clement Nwankwo, Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, said the incoming INEC Chairman must focus on restoring public trust.
“Nigerians are yearning for a commission that is independent in action and transparent in its processes. Prof. Amupitan must strengthen the credibility of INEC’s results transmission system and ensure timely publication of election data,” Nwankwo said.
Similarly, Yiaga Africa, a leading electoral monitoring group, called for consistency in policy implementation and improvements in voter education.
“We expect the new chairman to institutionalize reforms that guarantee accountability, especially in the management of election results and security of electoral materials,” the group stated.
Political Parties React
Political parties have also welcomed Amupitan’s impending assumption of office, expressing readiness to engage constructively with the new INEC leadership.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the ruling party was confident that Prof. Amupitan’s experience would “enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.”
“We trust that under his leadership, INEC will consolidate on the progress made in election technology, including the use of the BVAS and IReV platforms,” Morka said.
In contrast, the PDP urged the new chairman to resist political pressures and uphold the constitution.
“Our expectation is simple — neutrality. INEC must be independent and fair to all political actors. The credibility of the electoral process must not be compromised,” said Debo Ologunagba, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary.
Reforms on the Horizon
Prof. Amupitan is expected to continue the digital transformation of INEC operations initiated under Prof. Yakubu, including the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, and expansion of electronic transmission of results.
He is also expected to address internal challenges such as staff welfare, logistics inefficiencies, and delayed election tribunal responses — areas that have attracted criticism from both domestic and international observers.
A senior electoral official told reporters that Amupitan’s early focus would be on operational readiness for the Anambra election and the upcoming 2026 off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“He is keen on reviewing INEC’s logistical model, strengthening voter education, and ensuring that electoral materials arrive at polling units on time,” the source said.
International Partners Offer Support
International development partners, including the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have expressed willingness to support INEC’s reform agenda under Amupitan’s leadership.
In a joint statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria through technical assistance and capacity building.
“We look forward to working closely with the new INEC leadership to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure credible elections,” the statement read.
Conclusion
As Prof. Joash Amupitan prepares to assume office next week, expectations are high that he will usher in a new phase of transparency, professionalism, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Anambra governorship election will serve as both a litmus test and a launching platform for his administration’s credibility. Nigerians, especially the youth and civil society, will be watching closely to see whether the new INEC boss can restore faith in a system that has long been marred by controversies.
With less than three weeks to the Anambra polls, the nation’s electoral future now rests squarely on the shoulders of Prof. Amupitan — a man whose first major assignment could define the next chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
