President Tinubu Administers Oath of Office
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, October 23, 2025, officially swore in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony took place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, marking the commencement of Professor Amupitan's five-year tenure as the head of Nigeria's electoral body.
During the swearing-in, President Tinubu charged the new INEC boss to 'protect the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system and strengthen the institutional capacity' of the commission. He emphasized the importance of free, fair, and credible elections for the nation's democracy.
Background and Appointment Process
Professor Amupitan, a 58-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State. He is a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Jos, specializing in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
His nomination for the top electoral position was unanimously approved by the National Council of State. Following this, the Nigerian Senate conducted a screening session and confirmed his appointment through a voice vote, a week before the swearing-in ceremony. Professor Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure concluded in October 2025.
Commitments and Upcoming Challenges
Upon assuming office, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold 'integrity, transparency, and professionalism' in Nigeria's electoral process. He articulated his vision for electoral reforms, strengthening institutional independence, and rebuilding public trust in INEC, stating, 'We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, 'You won fairly and well'.'
The new INEC Chairman faces immediate tasks, with the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, serving as an early test of his leadership. He is also expected to oversee preparations for other forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the crucial 2027 general elections. Professor Amupitan's appointment marks him as the sixth substantive chairman of INEC since its inception.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
Excellent choice! His legal background is exactly what INEC needs for credibility.
Kyle Broflovski
A lawyer from Kogi? Hope he isn't just another regional pawn.
Stan Marsh
His experience as a DVC and Pro-Chancellor shows administrative capability, which is vital for INEC. However, electoral administration is a unique beast, and his legal expertise might not fully cover the operational complexities without strong political will backing him.
Eric Cartman
The appointment process seems thorough, and his background is strong, which is a positive sign. Yet, the history of INEC suggests that institutional independence is often compromised, regardless of who is in charge.
Stan Marsh
While his commitment to transparency is commendable, INEC faces deep-seated challenges that go beyond one chairman's vision. Rebuilding public trust will require more than just promises.