![Tinubu Swears In Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman [PHOTOS]](https://nationscuriosity.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251023_175700.jpg)
Tinubu swears in Prof. Joash Amupitan as new INEC Chairman, urging him to uphold integrity and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral credibility.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking a new phase in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. The ceremony, held on Thursday at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, signaled the beginning of Amupitan’s tenure as the sixth substantive head of the electoral body.
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During the swearing-in, President Tinubu charged the new INEC Chairman to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and patriotism in carrying out his duties.
“Your nomination and confirmation by the Senate reflect the confidence reposed in your competence and character by both the executive and the legislature,” the President stated. “This marks the beginning of a challenging but rewarding journey, and I trust you will serve with unwavering dedication and honesty.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999, Tinubu emphasized the importance of credible elections in sustaining the country’s governance system.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” he said. “We have strengthened our institutions and improved our electoral systems through consistent reforms. However, the integrity of our electoral process must always remain beyond reproach.”
The President noted that the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, would serve as a crucial test for the new INEC leadership.
“To build public confidence, our elections must be free, fair, and credible,” Tinubu stressed. “Every stage from voter registration to counting must be transparent, peaceful, and trustworthy. Strengthening the electoral institution is essential to safeguarding our democracy.”
Prof. Amupitan, aged 58, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who led the commission from 2015 to 2025. During his Senate screening, the new INEC boss pledged to advance electoral reforms, reinforce the commission’s independence, and rebuild citizens’ trust in the electoral process.
The Senate had confirmed his appointment on October 16, paving the way for his assumption of office immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the details in an official statement.
With Prof. Amupitan now at the helm, expectations are high that his leadership will further strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure the credibility of future elections.
