October 23, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi
Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for his formal swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.
Dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, Amupitan was welcomed at the State House in the morning, exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries and guests ahead of the ceremony scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The swearing-in officially marks the commencement of Amupitan’s tenure as Nigeria’s chief electoral officer, a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment following a rigorous screening on October 16.
During his confirmation hearing before lawmakers, the 58-year-old law professor outlined plans to reform the nation’s electoral process, strengthen the commission’s independence, and restore public confidence in elections.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored,” Amupitan told senators.
He also promised to advocate for amendments to the Electoral Act to remove ambiguities in election timelines and improve transparency.
Amupitan, nominated by President Tinubu and approved by the National Council of State, succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman recently ended.
