ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of law, took the oath of office at 1:50 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, he arrived early at the State House, where he exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries ahead of the ceremony.
In his remarks, President Tinubu charged the new INEC chairman to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and to strengthen the institutional independence of the commission.
“You must ensure that our elections remain credible, fair, and transparent,” the president said.
“Nigerians must have confidence that their votes count and that INEC remains impartial and professional.”
Tinubu added that the administration would support reforms aimed at improving transparency and enhancing the commission’s operational capacity.
Amupitan’s swearing-in followed his confirmation by the Senate on Thursday, October 16, 2025, after a two-hour screening session.
During the hearing, the 58-year-old scholar pledged to reform Nigeria’s electoral process, review existing laws, and restore voter confidence in INEC.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, confidence in the system will naturally be restored,” Amupitan told lawmakers.
He also promised to prioritise amendments to the Electoral Act to clarify grey areas in election timelines and processes, while strengthening transparency through improved use of technology.
Addressing rumours about his alleged role in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 presidential election petition, Amupitan categorically denied any involvement.
“I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties,” he said, affirming his neutrality and commitment to independence.
Following his swearing-in, Amupitan is expected to assume office immediately and begin the transition process at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.
He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who completed his tenure on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, amid growing calls for electoral reform.
Amupitan becomes the sixth substantive head of the electoral commission since its establishment.
