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• Amupitan pledges to deliver credible elections
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has tasked the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and enhancing the Commission’s institutional strength.
At the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, the President hailed Amupitan’s appointment and Senate confirmation as a vote of confidence from both the executive and legislative branches.
Tinubu urged the INEC Chairman to discharge his duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism, acknowledging the challenges ahead but affirming their importance. Marking 25 years of democratic governance, the President highlighted Nigeria’s progress in institutional consolidation through reforms and innovation.
He stressed that election credibility must be beyond doubt, with every phase—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and result collation—being transparent, peaceful, and credible. Tinubu wished Amupitan success in overseeing his first significant task, the Anambra governorship election slated for Saturday, 8 November 2025.
Tinubu said: “Your nomination to the important role and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate is a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and the Legislative arm of government.
“The significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism.
“Our democracy has come a long way. In 25 years we have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our democratic 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 multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy, safeguarding the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish—
“The integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach. It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must continue to improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and preparing for today.
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“To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected in all aspects of the process—from registration to campaigning, immediate access, voting and counting—should be transparent, non-violent and very credible.
“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen institutions ensuring they are robust, resilient, and safeguarded against artificial setbacks.
“I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to preserve the integrity of our elections and electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.”
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the swearing-in, Amupitan promised credible polls.
He reaffirmed his oath to defend the Constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws, pledging to carry out President Tinubu’s charge to deliver credible, free, and fair elections.
Amupitan said he would work with all stakeholders to strengthen the process. Asked about next month’s Anambra governorship election—his first major test—the INEC Chairman deferred comment until after receiving full briefings from the Commission.
He said: “So I will reaffirm the oath I have just taken, that I’m going to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as it relates to the electoral system, and like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free election.
“Not just that, I will ensure that that is done. I’m also going to engage all the stakeholders, because no matter how you set the barometer and the level of success, you still need all the stakeholders because no matter how you set the barometer at the level of success you still need all the stakeholders to be able to succeed.”
