President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to uphold and defend the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system, describing credible elections as the “bedrock of any true democracy.”
The President gave the charge on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new INEC boss at the State House, Abuja.
A Vote of Confidence in Competence and Character
Tinubu, while addressing Professor Amupitan moments after administering the oath of office, said his appointment—recently confirmed by the Senate—reflects a unanimous vote of confidence by both the executive and legislative arms of government in his competence, integrity, and capacity to deliver.
“Your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capability and the confidence reposed in you,” Tinubu stated. “As you take on this assignment, I urge you to protect the integrity of our elections, the credibility of our electoral process, and the institutional independence of INEC.”
The President described Amupitan’s emergence as part of a broader effort to restore public faith in Nigeria’s electoral system, stressing that transparent, fair, and inclusive elections remain vital to democratic consolidation.
Focus on the Anambra Governorship Election
Tinubu specifically referenced the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 2025, as the first major test of Professor Amupitan’s leadership at the helm of INEC.
“I wish you success on your first assignment in November 2025, which is the governorship election of Anambra State,” the President said. “It will be a defining opportunity to show Nigerians that our electoral system can be trusted to reflect the true will of the people.”
The President expressed optimism that under Amupitan’s stewardship, INEC will continue to strengthen its operational efficiency and safeguard the democratic process from malpractice, partisanship, and undue influence.
Upholding INEC’s Independence
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to non-interference in the electoral process, emphasizing that INEC must remain independent and impartial in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
“The credibility of elections is not just about votes; it is about trust,” Tinubu added. “Our democracy can only grow when citizens believe that their votes truly count. Your role as INEC chairman is to ensure that this belief is never compromised.”
He further noted that credible elections form the foundation upon which good governance and public accountability are built, warning that any compromise of the process weakens the entire democratic structure.
Profile of Professor Joash Amupitan
Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), a seasoned legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was nominated by President Tinubu earlier this month to replace former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure expired in September 2025.
Before his appointment, Amupitan served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos and had previously held advisory roles in constitutional and electoral law reform committees. He is widely regarded as a disciplined academic, known for his advocacy for judicial independence and electoral transparency.
During his Senate screening, Amupitan pledged to “build on INEC’s existing reforms, enhance voter education, and strengthen technology deployment” to prevent election malpractices.
“We will consolidate on the gains of previous reforms while addressing loopholes that undermine electoral integrity. Nigerians deserve elections that are transparent, inclusive, and technologically sound,” he had told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing.
INEC’s Mandate Under New Leadership
As the new chairman, Professor Amupitan will oversee:
- Preparations for the 2025 Anambra governorship election;
- Continuous voter registration (CVR) exercises nationwide;
- Implementation of technological innovations such as the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and IReV (INEC Results Viewing Portal);
- Electoral staff training, logistics coordination, and stakeholder engagement;
- Strengthening internal oversight to ensure neutrality among electoral officers.
Observers note that Amupitan’s tenure begins at a critical time, as INEC faces renewed calls to improve transparency following widespread public debate over the 2023 general elections.
Stakeholders React
Political analysts, civil society groups, and election observers have reacted positively to Tinubu’s message and the new chairman’s appointment.
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), in a statement, commended the President for emphasizing institutional integrity, urging the new INEC boss to remain independent of political influence.
“We expect Professor Amupitan to uphold the sacred duty of electoral neutrality. The credibility of INEC will be judged not by words but by actions taken in the months ahead,” TMG’s spokesperson said.
Similarly, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) called on the commission to leverage technology to rebuild trust among voters and political stakeholders.
“INEC’s new leadership must focus on transparency, logistics efficiency, and technology-driven accuracy to avoid controversies that taint public perception,” the group stated.
The Road Ahead
Nigeria’s democratic journey, now spanning over two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule, continues to hinge on the integrity of its elections. Experts say Amupitan’s success as INEC chairman will depend on his ability to:
- Ensure strict neutrality of electoral staff;
- Strengthen collaboration with security agencies;
- Enhance real-time result transmission;
- Improve communication with political parties and the public;
- Foster confidence through timely, transparent decision-making.
Amupitan has already pledged to maintain INEC’s commitment to openness and public accountability. In his brief remarks after taking the oath of office, he promised to serve “with integrity, impartiality, and a sense of duty to the Nigerian people.”
“Our mission is to deliver elections that reflect the will of Nigerians,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to restore and deepen trust in INEC as a truly independent institution.”
Conclusion
President Bola Tinubu’s charge to Professor Joash Amupitan marks the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s electoral body. As INEC prepares for the crucial Anambra State governorship poll and other off-cycle elections, the focus will be on whether the new leadership can deliver on the promise of credibility, transparency, and trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The coming months will test not only Amupitan’s leadership but also the government’s resolve to safeguard electoral independence — a defining factor for the future of democracy in Africa’s largest nation.
