President Bola Tinubu on Thursday officially swore in Joash Amupitan (SAN) as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signaling a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral governance. Naija247news gathered that the ceremony took place inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa at precisely 1:50 pm.
Arriving in a white agbada and gold cap, Amupitan exchanged pleasantries with guests at the State House prior to the oath-taking. According to Naija247news, President Tinubu directed the new INEC boss to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the commission.
In his address, the President underscored the urgency of credible polls and urged Amupitan to ensure fairness, professionalism and transparency in all future elections. Naija247news understands that Tinubu made clear that the nation’s democratic credibility hinges on elections where “even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well’.”
Naija247news reports that Amupitan’s appointment follows confirmation by the Nigerian Senate after a screening exercise on October 16. At that session, the 58-year-old law professor laid out plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral process, bolster INEC’s independence and rebuild public confidence. He pledged to prioritise amendments to the Electoral Act, eliminate grey areas in election timelines and enhance transparency in the conduct of polls.
When pressed about allegations of his involvement in the 2023 presidential election petition legal team, Amupitan told senators he “never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties,” stressing his neutrality and independence. Naija247news gathered this statement as part of his confirmation submission.
With his swearing-in complete, Amupitan is expected to assume office immediately and begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja. He takes over from Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended on October 7, 2025. Naija247news reports that Amupitan becomes the sixth substantive head of the commission since its establishment.
The incoming INEC chairman’s agenda therefore has high-stakes: delivering elections that restore public trust, navigating legislative reforms and institutionalising independence in Nigeria’s electoral architecture. Naija247news understands that all eyes will now turn to how Amupitan delivers on these commitments in the run-up to the next cycle of national polls.
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Reporting by Agnes Ekebuike Editor, Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
