Tinubu Swears In Amupitan, Says Anambra Guber Litmus Test

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The swearing-in was held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Tinubu charged the new INEC Chairman to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and electoral process, as well as strengthen the institutional capacity of the commission.

“Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.

“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions.

“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.

“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.

“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” he added.

President Tinubu stated that the governorship election on November 8, 2025, in Anambra State will serve as a litmus test for the new leadership of the electoral commission.

“It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.

“To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible.

“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback.

“I therefore charge you, Prof Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.

The Senate had confirmed Amupitan’s appointment on October 16.

Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ran from 2015 to 2025.

In his remarks, the 58-year-old academic outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission at the screening.

Shortly after his swearing-in, Amupitan met with INEC directors at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday.

The new INEC chairman, who hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, is a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).