President Bola Tinubu officially swore in Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of INEC

A New Era for Nigeria’s Electoral Commission: Professor Joash Amupitan Sworn In as INEC Chairman

In a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democratic journey, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially inaugurated Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marked the formal commencement of Amupitan’s tenure as the head of Nigeria’s electoral body.

Professor Amupitan, a distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on October 16 following a rigorous screening process. His appointment was also unanimously endorsed by the National Council of State, reflecting broad institutional support for his leadership.

At 58 years old, Amupitan brings decades of academic and legal experience to the role, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who led INEC from 2015 until October 2025.

During the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized the gravity of the role and the expectations placed upon the new chairman. He charged Amupitan with the responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and strengthening the institutional framework of INEC. “Your appointment and Senate confirmation are a testament to your competence and the confidence placed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu stated. He further urged Amupitan to approach his duties with “the highest level of integrity and patriotism,” underscoring the importance of free, fair, and credible elections in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.

In his own remarks, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold the rule of law and restore public trust in the electoral process. He vowed to conduct elections that reflect the true will of the people, stating that “we must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner.” His commitment to transparency and fairness signals a renewed focus on electoral credibility amid growing public scrutiny.

The swearing-in was attended by dignitaries, presidential aides, and senior officials, with Amupitan arriving in traditional attire that reflected the solemnity of the occasion. Following the ceremony, he was scheduled to meet with INEC directors at the commission’s headquarters to begin the transition into his new role.

As Nigeria looks ahead to future elections, Professor Amupitan’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the nation’s democratic institutions. His appointment represents not only a change in personnel but also a potential shift in the ethos and execution of electoral governance.

The nation now watches with cautious optimism as he steps into one of the most consequential roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.