President Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman
In a significant development for Nigeria’s democratic process, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, October 23, 2025, administered the oath of office to Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja and marked the formal beginning of Amupitan’s leadership of the nation’s electoral body.
The swearing-in, which commenced around 1:50 PM, was witnessed by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and House Leader Julius Ihonvbere. The event underscored the importance of the appointment in shaping the future of electoral governance in Nigeria.
Professor Amupitan, a distinguished legal scholar and professor of law, arrived at the venue in a white agbada and gold cap, exuding calm confidence as he took the oath of office and allegiance. At 58 years old, he becomes the sixth substantive chairman of INEC since its establishment in 1998, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended.
The appointment process followed a structured constitutional path. President Tinubu nominated Amupitan, and the nomination received the unanimous endorsement of the National Council of State. The Senate confirmed his appointment on October 16, 2025, after a thorough screening session during which Amupitan articulated his vision for electoral reform. He emphasized the need to strengthen INEC’s independence, improve operational efficiency, and rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.
During the screening, Amupitan firmly distanced himself from any involvement in the legal disputes surrounding the 2023 presidential election. He stated clearly that he never represented any party before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court, reinforcing his commitment to neutrality and impartiality—qualities critical for leading Nigeria’s electoral umpire.
In his remarks following the ceremony, President Tinubu charged the new INEC chairman to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency. He urged Amupitan to ensure that future elections reflect the true will of the Nigerian people and contribute to the consolidation of democracy. The president also called for institutional reforms to enhance INEC’s capacity to conduct credible, violence-free, and inclusive elections.
Professor Amupitan wasted no time assuming his duties. Immediately after the swearing-in, he proceeded to INEC headquarters in Abuja, where he is scheduled to chair his first meeting with the commission’s directors. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment, with major elections on the horizon, including the Anambra State governorship election in early November 2025 and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election in February 2026.
Amupitan’s tenure is expected to focus on addressing longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system, such as logistical delays, voter apathy, technological vulnerabilities, and perceptions of bias. His background as a legal luminary and academic is seen by many as an asset in navigating the complex legal and administrative demands of the role.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward electoral maturity, the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan signals a renewed commitment to democratic credibility. His success will be measured not just by the conduct of upcoming polls, but by his ability to restore faith in INEC as a truly independent and efficient institution. For now, the nation watches with cautious optimism as a new chapter in its electoral history begins.
