President Bola Tinubu has charged the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), to ensure that the 2027 general elections are transparent, credible, and devoid of violence.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment was a reflection of confidence in his integrity and professional competence by both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“I urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the institutional capacity of INEC,” Tinubu said. “I wish you success on your first assignment in November 2025 — the Anambra State governorship election.”
The President emphasised that credible elections are the foundation of democratic stability and public trust, noting that Nigeria’s democracy, sustained since 1999, had evolved through continuous reforms and innovations.
“Our democracy has come a long way, and we have strengthened our electoral institutions. To ensure that our democracy continues to thrive, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach,” Tinubu stated.
He stressed that while no electoral system is perfect, transparency at all stages — from voter registration and campaigns to voting and result collation — must remain sacrosanct.
“To maintain public trust, the process must be transparent, inclusive, and peaceful. Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders, and we must consistently improve to address challenges and innovate for the future,” Tinubu added.
Responding after taking the oath of office, Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and work with all stakeholders to strengthen electoral credibility.
“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and ensure credible, free, and fair elections,” he told reporters. “No matter how well the system is designed, success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders — political parties, civil society, and security agencies.”
Amupitan, a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, following endorsement by the National Council of State. He succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman from 2015 to 2025.
Upon assuming duty later in the day at INEC headquarters, the new chairman met with the commission’s directors, urging them to embrace teamwork and integrity.
“Our mission is to deliver elections that reflect the true will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan said. “We will restore public confidence and uphold democratic values in every election we conduct.”
Amupitan, the first INEC chairman from Kogi State in the North-Central region, will oversee the 2027 general elections — a test many observers believe will define the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
