New INEC chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, urges staff to foster unity and restore electoral confidence
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) marked a new chapter in its leadership on Thursday with the formal handover to its newly appointed chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, at a ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The event, described as both solemn and symbolic, brought together INEC’s core management staff and signalled a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In her welcome remarks, acting chairman, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, officially presented the handover notes to Professor Amupitan, calling the transition “a significant moment in the life of our commission and our nation’s democratic journey.” She highlighted the importance of his assumption of office ahead of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, noting that “the task ahead is enormous, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.”
Agbamuche-Mbu expressed confidence in the new chairman’s leadership and commended INEC’s workforce, describing them as “some of the finest and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria.”
The ceremony also featured the formal introduction of INEC’s 23 departmental directors, referred to as “the generals on the field of electioneering.” A delegation from the University of Jos, Professor Amupitan’s alma mater, also attended, led by the vice-chancellor and other principal officers of the institution. The new chairman’s family, including his wife, Professor Yemisi Amupitan, was present in support.
In his inaugural address, Professor Amupitan expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to uphold “the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline.”
He underscored the significance of the upcoming Anambra election, describing it as “a pivotal opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.”
“The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he said, calling on staff to rebuild public trust and tackle voter apathy through professionalism and teamwork.
Emphasising collaboration, Amupitan urged staff to “break down silos,” enhance interdepartmental communication, and create an environment “where every voice is heard and valued.”
He also pledged to make staff welfare a top priority, noting that fairness and motivation were essential to achieving excellence.
Concluding his address, the new INEC chairman called for collective effort in advancing Nigeria’s democratic ideals:
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly to strengthen the legitimacy of our elections.”
#UTVAfrica#
