By John Umeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), to ensure that the 2027 general elections are conducted with the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and non-violence.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony, Tinubu said credible elections were the “foundation of democracy and public trust.” He urged Amupitan to protect the sanctity of the ballot and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Professor Amupitan, your appointment reflects the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and the Legislature,” Tinubu said. “As you begin this journey, I urge you to uphold transparency and impartiality, and to ensure that our elections remain peaceful, free, and credible. Our democracy depends on it.”
The President noted that while Nigeria’s democracy had evolved through decades of reforms and innovation, much work remained to deepen public confidence in the electoral process.
“No democracy can thrive without credible elections,” Tinubu said. “From registration to collation, every stage must be open, transparent, and free of manipulation. Elections safeguard the people’s right to choose their leaders and shape their future.”
He also charged the new INEC boss to ensure that the upcoming Anambra governorship election in November 2025 serves as a litmus test for the commission’s credibility under his leadership.
Amupitan Pledges Credibility, Teamwork, and Stakeholder Engagement
Responding to the President’s charge, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and work with all stakeholders to deliver transparent and violence-free elections.
“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and ensure free, fair, and credible elections,” Amupitan said. “No matter how well-designed a system is, its success depends on cooperation among political parties, civil society, the media, and security agencies.”
He emphasized that his tenure would focus on inclusivity, accountability, and strengthening institutional integrity within INEC.
“Our task is clear—to deliver elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Together, we will restore public confidence and ensure that every voter’s ballot truly counts,” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos becomes the first INEC chairman from Kogi State and succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served two consecutive terms from 2015 to 2025.
Amupitan officially assumed duty at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday afternoon, where he met with directors and senior staff, describing his appointment as “a divine call to serve.”
“I believe God has brought me here at this critical time for a purpose,” he told staff. “We will strengthen teamwork, integrity, and discipline, because credible elections begin within.”
He also promised to prioritize staff welfare, saying:
“We will expect excellence from every staff member, and in return, we will ensure their welfare and working conditions are improved.”
INEC’s Transition and the Road to 2027
Earlier, the outgoing Acting Chairperson, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally handed over to Amupitan, describing his appointment as “a recognition of his integrity, scholarship, and patriotism.”
She reminded him that he was assuming leadership “at one of the most crucial moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey”, with the Anambra governorship election serving as his first major test.
Agbamuche-Mbu also praised the achievements of former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, citing his introduction of innovations such as the BVAS and IReV, which, according to her, “strengthened transparency and voter confidence.”
“You are stepping onto a firm foundation,” she said. “But the task ahead demands sacrifice, patience, and courage. I have no doubt you will rise to the challenge.”
As Nigeria counts down to the 2027 general elections, President Tinubu’s message to Amupitan was clear — restore credibility, ensure transparency, and make every vote count.
