The new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan has promised to deliver credible, free, and fair elections going forward.
Prof. Amupitan shortly after being sworn-in on Thursday by President Bola Tinubu, addressed the staff of the Commission for the very first time immediately after being sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, promising to restore electoral confidence in the electorate, so they realise that their votes count.
I am here for a purpose. Maybe if I had a choice, I would have said I would not come here. But from all indications, I can see that God is moving this country, and my coming is divine. With God saying go, who am I to say no? I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed,” he said.
Amupitan, who was accompanied by his wife, children, vice chancellor of the University of Jos, Tanko Ishaya and other top officials from the institution, where he previously served, assured the Commission’s staff that his leadership would prioritise their welfare and professional development.
He said his first point of call would be the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, calling on staff of the Commission to ensure that credibility is delivered.
The new Chair noted that the journey ahead is a challenging one, adding that his coming as the Chairman of INEC is divine.
“Let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of all elections.
“Now I will stress that we should not compromise our values processes. There are consequences. So, the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate.
“The tasks may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we can not achieve,” the Chairman said.
He added, “I assure you that we’ll work as seriously and tirelessly as possible to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are given the necessary resources to excel.”
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, to defend the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, describing credible polls as the bedrock of any democracy.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja shortly after administering the oath of office to the new INEC boss, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate a week ago, was a mark of confidence in his competence and character by both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“I, therefore, urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the electoral process and the institutional capacity of INEC, and I wish you success on your first assignment in November 2025, which is the governorship election of Anambra state.
“As the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you.
This 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,” Tinubu said.
The President emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy, which has lasted since 1999, had evolved through reforms, innovation, and lessons learned from past challenges.
“Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach,” Tinubu noted.
Tinubu noted that while no electoral system is flawless, credibility and transparency at every stage, be it registration, campaigning, voting, and results collation, remain critical to sustaining public trust.
“Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future.
“We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow,” he added.
Tinubu urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence in future polls.
