ABUJA, Nigeria — Joash Amupitan, the newly sworn-in chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has described his appointment as a divine calling and pledged to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency in steering Nigeria’s electoral body.
Amupitan, who was sworn in earlier on Thursday, October 23, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, resumed duties immediately at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, where he addressed staff in his inaugural speech.
“I am indeed very honoured to be with you today as your new chairman and as we’ve marked the beginning of a new chapter,” Amupitan said.
“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But when from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country and my coming is divine. So once God says go, who are you to say I’m not going? I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that the new Nigeria is better.”
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
He said the commission’s performance in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election would be a key test of its integrity and capacity.
“The upcoming Anambra State governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivotal opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion,” he said.
He emphasised that transparency, discipline, and professionalism would define his leadership, urging INEC staff to embrace teamwork and dedication.
“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he added.
“The path may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
The new chairman promised to prioritise staff welfare and working conditions, describing INEC’s personnel as vital to the success of Nigeria’s democracy.
“It’s going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” Amupitan said.
“So you need also to give so much to who you are expecting much from. Your welfare is going to be a priority, and I assure you that we’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with necessary resources to excel.”
Amupitan, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and law professor, urged unity among stakeholders to restore public confidence in the electoral process and address voter apathy.
“I want to thank you for your commitment, your service, and I look forward to working closely with all of you as we embark on this very, very important mission,” he said.
“Through teamwork, we can strengthen the values of democracy and the credibility of our elections.”
