Amupitan sworn in, vows to uphold electoral laws, strengthen Nigeria’s democracy
The newly sworn-in INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan (SAN), has pledged to defend Nigeria’s electoral laws and ensure that elections across the country are free, fair, and credible.
Speaking to journalists shortly after taking his oath of office at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Amupitan emphasised his commitment to the Constitution and the integrity of the electoral system.
“I reaffirm that I will defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly as they relate to our electoral processes,” he stated.
The new chairman revealed that President Bola Tinubu had entrusted him with a clear mandate to deliver credible elections nationwide, stressing the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving success.
“No matter how you measure electoral success, all stakeholders must be involved for it to be meaningful,” Amupitan said, declining to comment on the upcoming Anambra governorship election until he is fully briefed by national commissioners.
Amupitan, 58, becomes the sixth substantive head of INEC since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.
He assumed office at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja later Thursday, accompanied by his family and close associates.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu urged Amupitan to safeguard the integrity of elections and strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity.
“Our democracy has evolved over 25 years, but to keep it strong, our electoral process must remain credible. I charge you to protect this integrity and enhance the framework of INEC,” Tinubu said.
At his Senate confirmation hearing on October 16, Amupitan pledged to implement reforms aimed at rebuilding public confidence in elections.
He also denied reports suggesting any involvement in the legal proceedings of the 2023 Presidential Election petitions, asserting his neutrality.
Amupitan’s tenure begins amid high expectations for transparent, accountable, and credible elections, with observers noting that restoring voters’ confidence will be a defining test of his leadership.
