*Insists Integrity Of Elections Non-negotiable
*Says Anambra Guber Poll Another Opportunity To Demonstrate Commitment To Free, Fair Election
THE new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, on Thursday, October 23, assumed office, vowing to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, which he described it as “non-negotiable.”
Speaking at the INEC headquarters in Abuja during his inaugural meeting with directors, shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu, Amupitan pledged to deliver free, fair and credible elections that would reflect the true will of Nigerians, adding: “It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as your new Chairman.
“Our mandate is clear: to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.
“I have just been briefed about some of the preparations. But as I informed the acting chairman, our preparation, no matter how good it may be, is only as good as the cooperation and support we receive from the stakeholders, including the politicians and the general public.
“So, the eyes of Nigeria are upon us. Today, I am before you, and I’m emphasising the need for us to work together in unity. There should be synergy and collaboration among our various units, as I have been informed.
“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count, because that is a constitutional task.
“Let us restore the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count, so that we can address this issue of voter apathy in our nation. Let us break down silos.
“I must stress that we should not compromise our values or processes, as that could have consequences. The integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate.”
Amupitan, accompanied by his wife and family and top officials from the University of Jos, where he previously served, said his leadership would prioritise staff welfare and teamwork to achieve the commission’s goals.
He stated: “For me, staff welfare is going to be a priority. We are going to expect so much from you, but we must also give so much to those we expect much from.
“We’ll work tirelessly to ensure that working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) harped on synergy and collaboration among all departments of the Commission, stating that credibility in elections depends largely on internal efficiency and collective responsibility.
He added: “The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is not just another electoral exercise; it represents 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.”
While describing his appointment as a divine calling, Amupitan expressed readiness to play his role in ensuring the birth of a new Nigeria anchored on democracy and transparency, adding that a lot of people he met recently said they did not envy his new position.
To this, he said: “In the places I have gone to, including among some national commissioners, they were saying, ‘I don’t envy you,’ but let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections. The path may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
“If God says go, who are you to say I am not going? I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed, and INEC has a very important role in that quest.”
Amupitan thanked the Commission’s management, staff and the media for their support, assuring them of an inclusive, accountable and reform-minded leadership, saying: “Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections.
“The path may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
The new INEC boss, wearing a white agbada, had walked into the Commission’s Conference Hall at 2:54pm, and at 3.17pm, former acting chairman of the Commission, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally handed over to him, saying Amupitan’s appointment is not only a recognition of his distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator and patriot, but also a call to national service of the highest order.
Agbamuche-Mbu stated: “You are assuming office at a most crucial time; a period when the Commission is at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election, scheduled for Saturday, 8th November 2025.
“As we speak, four of our national commissioners are in Anambra State on a Readiness Assessment Visit, which is a routine exercise undertaken before every major election to ensure that all logistics, materials and personnel are fully in place.
“Their absence here today is in the line of duty and a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to continuous readiness.
“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.
“However, you are not walking into an empty field; you are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, under whose leadership the Commission recorded landmark innovations; from the introduction of technology driven processes, such as the BVAS and IReV, to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.
FThe foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation and the forward march.
“Professor Amupitan, this assignment before you is without doubt a herculean national service. One that demands sacrifice, patience and unflinching dedication, but I have no doubt that you are equal to the task.
“The Commission is blessed with some of the finest most experienced and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria. The staff of INEC have demonstrated time and again, their resilience, professionalism and deep sense of duty in the service of our democracy.
“They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter.”
The Law professor and sixth substantive chairman of INEC since the return of democracy in 1999, was sworn in earlier in the day by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, one week after the Senate confirmed his appointment on October 16.
During the ceremony, Tinubu charged him to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of the commission.
The President said: “As Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), your nomination and confirmation reflect confidence in your capacity by both the Executive and the Legislature.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. To keep it strong, we must ensure that our electoral process remains free, fair, and credible.
“I, therefore, charge you, professor, to protect the integrity of our elections and strengthen INEC’s institutional framework.”
Tinubu urged Amupitan, who took the oath at 1:50pm inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system, enhance the institutional capacity of the Commission and ensure the credibility of future polls by upholding fairness, professionalism and transparency.
During his senate screening, the new INEC boss 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.”
He pledged to prioritise amendments to the Electoral Act, eliminate grey areas in election timelines and improve transparency in the conduct of polls, while refuting claims of his involvement in Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 presidential election petition.
