…As Agbamuche-Mbu Hands Over, Calls for Institutional Renewal and Electoral Integrity
By Joy Odor | Abuja | BusinessDay, October 23, 2025
Nigeria’s new electoral chief, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, on Thursday, assumed duty as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a firm declaration that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is “non-negotiable.”
Speaking during his first official engagement with the Commission’s directors at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amupitan pledged to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of Nigerians — beginning with the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he told staff and stakeholders. “Our task is clear to restore voter confidence and ensure that every Nigerian believes their vote will count. The integrity of our elections is not something we should ever negotiate.”
Amupitan, who arrived the Commission’s headquarters in a flowing white agbada, stressed that the success of INEC depends on synergy and collaboration across all departments, noting that internal efficiency is central to credible outcomes.
“No matter how good our preparation is, it is only as effective as the cooperation we get from our stakeholders our staff, the political actors, and the citizens,” he said. “Let us break silos, align our goals, and ensure unity of purpose.”
He further assured that staff welfare will be a top priority under his leadership, describing the Commission’s workforce as the “engine of credibility.”
“We will expect a lot from you, but we must also give much to those we expect much from,” he said. “We’ll ensure that working conditions are conducive and that every officer is equipped with the right tools to deliver.”
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and respected constitutional scholar from the University of Jos, described his appointment as “a divine call to national duty”, adding that he is committed to strengthening democracy through transparency and institutional renewal.
“People have told me they pity me, but I see it differently. This is a journey of purpose. If God sends you, who are you to say no? I am here to play my role in birthing a new Nigeria anchored on democracy, justice, and accountability.”
At the State House Council Chamber, where the swearing-in took place earlier in the day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu charged the new INEC boss to serve with “integrity and courage,” describing credible elections as the heartbeat of democracy.
“To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected,” Tinubu said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. “From registration to results, the process must remain transparent, inclusive, and credible. This is your mandate.”
The President also described the Anambra governorship election as a “litmus test” for Amupitan’s leadership, urging the new Commission to build on reforms that have strengthened voter confidence since 1999.
In a symbolic handover ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the outgoing Acting Chairman, described the transition as “a moment of renewal for both the Commission and Nigeria’s democracy.”
She commended Amupitan’s appointment as “a recognition of competence, patriotism, and institutional trust,” urging him to build on the foundation laid by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu — particularly the BVAS and IReV innovations that enhanced election transparency.
“You are stepping onto firm ground,” she told him. “What lies ahead is the building and consolidation. INEC has some of the most dedicated professionals in Nigeria, and they are ready to walk with you.”
Agbamuche-Mbu added that the Commission’s readiness for the upcoming Anambra election remains on track, with four National Commissioners already on a field assessment mission to the state.
