President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the formal start of his tenure as the nation’s chief electoral officer.
The ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the National Economic Council meeting.
With his oath of office, Amupitan assumes leadership of the electoral body, taking over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose two-term tenure ended earlier in the month.
Amupitan’s journey to the INEC top seat began two weeks ago when President Tinubu nominated him to replace Yakubu. His nomination received unanimous approval from the National Council of State and was later confirmed by the Senate on October 16, following a screening that focused on electoral transparency, technology, and public confidence in elections.
Speaking after administering the oath, President Tinubu reminded the new INEC chairman that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections remains a direct measure of public trust in democracy.
He tasked Amupitan with deepening reforms that would ensure every vote counts and that the process remains transparent from start to finish.
“Our democracy has matured through 25 years of trial and progress. Now is the time to protect the values that sustain it — free, fair, and credible elections. The integrity of our electoral process must be above reproach,” Tinubu said.
He added that the new INEC leadership must “build strong systems, not strong individuals,” and strengthen the Commission’s independence through innovation, technology, and accountability.
During his Senate screening, Amupitan, 58, pledged to pursue reforms that would make elections more credible and efficient. He emphasised the need to review inconsistencies in election timelines, logistics, and voter data management, adding that “a credible election is one where even the loser accepts the outcome as fair.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also dismissed reports linking him to President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 election petition hearings, stating that he neither appeared for the President nor for any opposition candidate. His assurance of neutrality, lawmakers noted, strengthened the perception of his independence.
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, where he currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
A scholar with expertise in company law, evidence, and corporate governance, Amupitan became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014. He holds an LL.B, LL.M, and Ph.D., all from the University of Jos, and has written several books.
Beyond academics, he has served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and on several national legal and corporate boards.
With his swearing-in, Amupitan takes charge ahead of the November 2025 Anambra governorship election and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls slated for early 2026.
