President Bola Tinubu has advised the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) to ensure integrity and trust in the country’s electoral process towards strengthening democracy.
Swearing in Professor Amupitan as the sixth substantive chairman of the electoral body today, October 23, at the Presidential villa, the President stressed the importance of serving with integrity.
“Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism.”
President Tinubu said that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.
“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”
The President insisted that the nation’s elections should be seen to be free, fair and credible. “We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.
“To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible.
“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback.
“I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment, to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.”
Professor Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ran from 2015 to 2025.
The 58-year-old Professor Amupitan had, during his screening by the Senate, outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence and rebuild public trust in the commission.
