President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday swore in Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the sixth substantive chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During the ceremony at the State House Council Chamber, President Tinubu urged the new INEC chairman to serve with integrity and beyond reproach.
“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,” the president said.
President Tinubu 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 said the governorship election on 8 November 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 swearing-in ceremony follows the Senate’s confirmation of the INEC Chairman’s nomination on 16 October.
Professor Amupitan is expected to assume duties without delay, overseeing preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship polls and initiating plans for the 2027 general elections.
