Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan SAN As INEC Chairman, Charges Him To Protect Electoral Integrity

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after 1:50 pm, following the Senate’s confirmation of his appointment on October 16.

During the swearing-in, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to “protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and electoral process” and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the commission.

Amupitan, a professor of law, arrived at the State House dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, exchanging pleasantries with guests. He was accompanied by several presidential aides and dignitaries. The 58-year-old scholar was nominated by President Tinubu and endorsed by the National Council of State.

He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended, making Amupitan the sixth substantive head of INEC since its inception.

During his Senate screening, Amupitan outlined plans to restore credibility to Nigeria’s elections and implement meaningful electoral reforms. He emphasized the need to strengthen the Electoral Act, resolve inconsistencies in election timelines, and enhance public trust in the electoral process.

“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 said.

Addressing allegations about his purported links to the President’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria dismissed the claims, stating unequivocally: “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties.”

Following the swearing-in, Professor Amupitan is expected to immediately assume duties at INEC headquarters in Abuja and commence the transition process at the commission.

The appointment marks a new chapter for INEC under Amupitan’s leadership, with a focus on strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring transparent elections, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.