ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Professor Joash Amupitan was sworn in Thursday as the new Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to restore public trust and strengthen the country’s electoral system.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office. Amupitan, dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, arrived at the State House in the morning and exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries and onlookers ahead of the event.
In his remarks, President Tinubu urged the new INEC chairman to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency. “This is a sacred responsibility,” Tinubu said. “Our democracy depends on the credibility of our elections, and I trust that Professor Amupitan will lead with integrity and courage.”
The swearing-in follows Amupitan’s confirmation by the Senate on Oct. 16 after a rigorous screening process. During his appearance before lawmakers, the 58-year-old law professor outlined plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral framework, enhance institutional independence, and eliminate ambiguities in the Electoral Act.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well,’” Amupitan told the Senate. “When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored.”
He also pledged to tighten election timelines and improve transparency in the process.
Amupitan was nominated by President Tinubu and approved by the National Council of State. He succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended, becoming the sixth substantive head of the electoral body since its establishment.
Addressing concerns about his alleged ties to Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, Amupitan denied any involvement. “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties,” he said, emphasizing his neutrality.
The audience at the ceremony included lawmakers, civil society leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps. Many applauded as Amupitan took the oath, with some expressing cautious optimism.
“We’ve seen many promises in the past,” said Aisha Bello, a civil society observer. “But if he follows through on his words, this could be a turning point for Nigerian democracy.”
Senator Ibrahim Danjuma (APC–Kano North), who chaired the confirmation hearing, praised Amupitan’s credentials. “He brings academic rigor and a clear vision to the role,” Danjuma said. “Now the real work begins—restoring credibility to our elections.”
Following the ceremony, Amupitan is expected to assume office immediately and begin the transition process at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.
