...vows to prioritise staff welfare, restore voter confidence ahead of Anambra polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially entered a new chapter as Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, assumed duty as chairman of the Commission, pledging to uphold integrity, transparency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Amupitan, who was sworn in earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made his maiden address at the INEC headquarters, Abuja, where he met with directors, senior staff, and members of the press.
The event also featured a formal handover by May Agbamuche-Mbu, the acting chairman, marking a smooth transition of leadership within the Commission.
Speaking during the ceremony, the new chairman expressed deep gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as “a divine call to national service.”
“It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today. Our mandate is clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Amupitan stressed the need for teamwork and synergy among staff, urging directors and departments to collaborate toward strengthening INEC’s institutional integrity and operational efficiency.
“We must work together as a team. Credibility in our elections is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. That confidence is the foundation of democracy,” he added.
He identified the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, as a crucial test of the Commission’s readiness and credibility.
“The Anambra election is not just another electoral exercise — it is an opportunity to demonstrate our renewed commitment to transparency and fairness. The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he stated, disclosing that he had been briefed on the ongoing preparations.
Amupitan pledged to make staff welfare a top priority, acknowledging the enormous expectations placed on INEC personnel nationwide.
“We will be expecting so much from you, and so it is only fair that we give so much back. Staff welfare will be my priority. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your working conditions are conducive and that you are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” he said.
The chairman also recognised the presence of his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tanko Ishaya and other principal officers, who attended the ceremony in solidarity.
In her remarks, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the outgoing acting chairman, described the day as one of “continuity, renewal, and steadfast commitment to credible elections and good governance.”
She congratulated Amupitan on his appointment and commended his record of academic excellence and public service.
“You are assuming office at a most crucial time, as the Commission prepares for the Anambra election. You are stepping onto firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, under whose leadership the Commission introduced key innovations such as BVAS and IReV,” she said.
Agbamuche-Mbu noted that INEC’s current structure and systems were built on institutional transparency and voter confidence, expressing optimism that the new chairman would consolidate and expand on these gains.
She formally handed over documents detailing ongoing programmes, administrative matters, and strategic priorities to ensure a seamless transition, while pledging the loyalty and support of the Commission’s workforce.
“The staff of INEC are some of the finest and most dedicated public servants in Nigeria. They have shown resilience and professionalism and will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter,” she said.
Amupitan concluded his address with a note of faith and conviction about his mission at INEC:
“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all indications, my coming is divine. God is moving in this country, and I believe I have a role to play in ensuring that a new Nigeria is birthed. Together, we will uphold the values of democracy and restore trust in our electoral process.”
Read also: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as INEC chairman, tasks him on election integrity
The event, which held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was attended by top officials, national commissioners, staff representatives, members of the press corps, and invited guests.
With his assumption of office, Amupitan becomes the eighth chairman of INEC, succeeding Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this month.
His first major test will come in less than three weeks — the Anambra governorship election, a contest widely viewed as the first barometer of his leadership and INEC’s renewed credibility under his stewardship.
