The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has promised Nigerians that under his leadership, the electoral body will deliver credible, free, and fair elections that truly reflect the people’s will.
Professor Amupitan made the promise on Thursday in Abuja while addressing INEC staff shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His appointment follows the end of tenure of the immediate past chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who led the commission through two general elections and several off-cycle polls.
In his first official address, the new INEC boss said his major task was to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. He stressed that Nigerians must once again believe that their votes count and that elections can be conducted without bias, manipulation, or violence.
“One of the most important tasks before us is to restore electoral confidence in the electorate so that our people can realise that their votes truly count,” Amupitan said. “Let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of all elections.”
The new chairman identified the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State as his first major test, urging INEC officials to give their best to ensure that the exercise is transparent and credible.
“My first point of call is the Anambra governorship election. We must ensure credibility in that election. Nigerians are watching us, and we must not disappoint them,” he said.
Professor Amupitan also assured INEC staff that their welfare would be one of his top priorities. He acknowledged the challenges facing the commission, including limited resources, public criticism, and political pressure, but said he was confident that with unity and commitment, the institution would overcome.
“The tasks ahead may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve,” he said. “I assure you that we will work seriously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are given the necessary resources to excel.”
He urged staff to remain professional and uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties, warning that any act of compromise would not be tolerated.
“We should not compromise our values and processes,” he cautioned. “There are consequences for that. The integrity of our elections is not something we should even negotiate.”
The new chairman described his appointment as a “divine call to service” and pledged to lead with fairness, transparency, and dedication to democratic ideals.
“I believe my coming here is divine,” Amupitan said. “We must work together to strengthen democracy and make our elections a true reflection of the people’s choice.”
Professor Joash Amupitan, a respected law professor and election law expert, hails from Plateau State. Before his appointment, he served as a university lecturer and consultant on governance and rule of law. His background in legal studies and constitutional matters is expected to bring new perspectives to INEC’s operations.
With the Anambra governorship election approaching, stakeholders in the state have expressed hope that the new INEC leadership will ensure a peaceful and credible poll. Civil society organisations have also urged the commission to strengthen voter education and maintain neutrality in all political matters.
