First day in office…Amupitan promises INEC with integrity

By Kingston Magare 23.10.2025
Professor Joash Amupitan on his first day as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, promised to run the much-maligned electoral body with integrity.
Amupitan, who was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday became the sixth substantive chairman of the INEC since the return of democracy in 1999. Then after he was escorted to the INEC headquarters by members of his family and close friends.
“I’ve just taken the oath of allegiance and the oath as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system.
Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and that I will ensure,” Amupitan said.
He added that INEC under him will prioritise collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies.
“No matter how well you design the system, success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.
Earlier in the day President Tinubu urged Prof Amupitan to be steadfast in his duty.
“As Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, 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 said.