INEC chairman Joash Amupitan pledges credible, free and fair elections in Nigeria
The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has pledged to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process by ensuring credible, free, and fair elections across the country.
Amupitan made this promise shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa
Professor Amupitan officially assumed office after taking his oath of allegiance during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting was attended by state governors, key cabinet members, and senior government officials responsible for economic and political affairs.
His swearing-in marked a significant moment for the electoral body, as it comes at a time when Nigerians are demanding greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections. The new INEC chairman was appointed to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently came to an end.
Speaking to State House correspondents shortly after the ceremony, Amupitan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to defending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amupitan promises firm and transparent leadership
Addressing journalists, Professor Amupitan emphasized his resolve to lead with integrity and fairness. He said his primary duty is to ensure that every election conducted under his leadership meets both national and international standards of credibility.
“So I will reaffirm what I have just taken, that I’m going to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as it relates to the electoral system,” he said. “And like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections.”
He further assured Nigerians that he would remain impartial, transparent, and accountable in carrying out his responsibilities. “Not just that, I will ensure that that is done,” he added. “I’m also going to engage all the stakeholders, because no matter how you set the barometer and the level of success, you still need all the stakeholders to be able to succeed.”
Importance of stakeholder collaboration
The new INEC chairman noted that credible elections are a collective effort and cannot be achieved by the electoral commission alone. He stated that partnerships with political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, and the electorate are crucial in ensuring that every election reflects the true will of the people.
Analysts have often highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially in promoting voter education, reducing electoral violence, and preventing the spread of misinformation during elections. Amupitan’s acknowledgment of this approach has been seen by many as a positive sign of inclusivity and reform.
Nigeria’s ongoing push for electoral credibility
Amupitan’s appointment comes at a critical time when the country is still evaluating the performance of past elections and looking for ways to strengthen the electoral system. The Independent National Electoral Commission has been under public scrutiny following allegations of irregularities and technical challenges experienced in previous elections.
Observers and advocacy groups have called for increased use of technology, timely logistics, and transparency in vote collation and announcement processes. They have also urged the commission to build public confidence by communicating effectively with Nigerians before, during, and after elections.
A new chapter for Nigeria’s democracy
Political experts believe that Professor Amupitan’s tenure will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey. His experience as an academic, legal scholar, and administrator is expected to bring fresh ideas and reforms to INEC’s operations.
By emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and constitutional integrity, Amupitan’s leadership may help restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system — a crucial factor in strengthening democracy and governance across the country.
As Nigeria prepares for upcoming state and local government elections, all eyes will be on the new INEC chairman to see whether he can fulfill his promise of conducting elections that are credible, free, and fair, thereby upholding the trust of millions of Nigerian voters.
