By Luchiinter NewsNigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially sworn in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended earlier this month. The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the State House in Abuja, marks a new phase for Nigeria’s electoral body, coming at a crucial time when calls for electoral reform and transparency are louder than ever.
Tinubu’s Message to the New INEC Boss
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu charged Professor Amupitan to uphold the highest standards of integrity, patriotism, and transparency in his duties. According to the President, Nigerians deserve elections that truly reflect their will, not the influence of corruption, intimidation, or manipulation.
“You are taking on one of the most sensitive and vital institutions in our democracy,” Tinubu said. “The credibility of our elections defines the legitimacy of our government. Nigerians must see and believe that every vote counts.”
The President emphasised that Amupitan’s leadership will be tested almost immediately, with the upcoming Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025. He described it as a “litmus test” for the new INEC leadership, urging the commission to prove that it can deliver free, fair, and transparent polls.
Who Is Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan?
Professor Amupitan is a renowned legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with decades of experience in academia and legal practice. Before his appointment, he served as a professor of law at the University of Jos and was widely respected for his expertise in company law, evidence law, corporate governance, and privatisation law.
He becomes the sixth substantive INEC chairman since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. His academic reputation and integrity are seen by many as positive qualities that could help rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system, which has faced accusations of bias, poor logistics, and vote manipulation in recent years.
Public Reactions and Expectations
Reactions to Amupitan’s appointment have been mixed but largely hopeful. Civil society organisations such as the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Yiaga Africa have welcomed the new chairman, urging him to prioritise electoral reforms that strengthen technology use, improve voter registration, and ensure credible result transmission.
However, opposition figures have expressed caution, stressing that credibility will be judged by actions, not promises. A spokesperson for the Labour Party remarked that Nigerians “are tired of recycled assurances” and want “real change that can be seen and measured.”
Challenges Ahead for INEC
Professor Amupitan takes over at a time when the electoral body faces numerous challenges. The aftermath of the 2023 general elections left many Nigerians disillusioned due to technical failures and allegations of irregularities in result collation. Voter apathy has also grown, with millions of eligible citizens no longer trusting the process.
Among the major issues Amupitan will have to address are:
- Restoring public confidence in INEC’s independence and neutrality.
- Improving logistics and result transmission during elections.
- Curbing vote-buying, ballot snatching, and electoral violence.
- Enhancing the use of technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
- Ensuring transparency in voter registration and managing electoral timelines efficiently.
Observers say Amupitan’s success will depend on his ability to strengthen institutional independence and resist political pressure — something his predecessors often struggled with.
Tinubu’s Political Stakes
For President Tinubu, this appointment is not just administrative; it’s deeply political. His administration faces growing scrutiny over governance, security, and economic hardship. Delivering credible elections at the state and local levels could serve as proof of his democratic commitment and help rebuild public confidence in government institutions.
Analysts also note that Tinubu’s decision to appoint a law professor with no known political ties might be strategic — aimed at reducing partisan suspicion and giving INEC a more academic, rules-based image.
The Anambra Election as a Test Case
All eyes are now on the upcoming Anambra governorship election. Historically, Anambra elections have been intense and sometimes controversial. The state’s strong political diversity makes it a true test of INEC’s neutrality.
Political parties — including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — have already begun mobilising supporters. Observers believe the conduct of this election will show whether INEC under Amupitan is genuinely independent or merely a continuation of the old order.
A Call for National Support
In his acceptance speech, Professor Amupitan thanked President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and promised to serve Nigeria with honesty and diligence. He urged political actors, the media, and citizens to work together to strengthen the democratic process.
“Elections are not the responsibility of INEC alone,” he said. “They are a shared national duty. My commitment is to make every vote count, but we all must protect the process.”
Conclusion
The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy. With widespread demand for credible elections and a government promising reform, the coming months will reveal whether this new chapter in INEC’s leadership can truly restore faith in the ballot box.
For now, Nigerians are watching closely — hopeful yet cautious — that the promise of free and fair elections will finally become a reality under Amupitan’s leadership.
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