Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as New INEC Chairman, Charges Him to Uphold Electoral Integrity
Tinubu Swears In Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as New INEC Chairman, Charges Him to Uphold Electoral Integrity
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The historic ceremony took place on Thursday at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s electoral administration.
The swearing-in comes barely a week after the Senate confirmed Amupitan’s nomination, following his approval by the National Council of State. The appointment, widely reported by Akahi News, fills the leadership vacuum created by the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025.
Tinubu Urges Amupitan to Uphold Integrity and Patriotism
During the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new INEC boss and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver credible and transparent elections. He emphasised that the nation’s democratic progress depends largely on the commission’s ability to maintain electoral integrity.
“Approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity and patriotism,” Tinubu told Amupitan.
“To maintain trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected.”
According to Akahi News, the President also urged the new chairman to strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC and deepen collaboration with other relevant agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
Amupitan Pledges Commitment to Lawful and Credible Elections
Shortly after taking the oath of office, Professor Joash Amupitan pledged to discharge his duties in accordance with the law and uphold the trust placed in him by Nigerians.
He assured the President and citizens that under his leadership, INEC will focus on improving voter confidence, expanding technological innovations, and enhancing transparency in all aspects of election management.
Amupitan had earlier told lawmakers during his Senate screening that he plans to partner with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s voter database and tackle the challenge of electoral fraud — a position he reiterated after his swearing-in.
Senate Confirmation and National Council of State Approval
As Akahi News earlier reported, the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, confirmed Professor Amupitan after an extensive screening session. Lawmakers questioned him on issues ranging from election logistics to legal reforms and voter education.
His nomination had been presented to the National Council of State by President Tinubu on October 9, where it received unanimous endorsement. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this in a statement, describing Amupitan as “a seasoned legal mind and administrator with deep understanding of electoral law and governance.”
The approval also came on the heels of May Agbamuche-Mbu’s brief tenure as Acting Chairman of INEC following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit earlier this month. Agbamuche-Mbu, who chairs the commission’s Legal Services, Clearance, and Complaints Committee (LSCCC), is now expected to continue serving under Amupitan’s leadership.
Who Is Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)?
Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar and administrator.
He began his academic journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, before earning his LLM (1993) and PhD (2007) in Law from the University of Jos. Over the years, he has become one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.
Currently, he serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.
Amupitan, who was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014, has also served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of Public Law Department, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors at UNIJOS.
Beyond academia, he has been part of several corporate and legal boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited and the Council of Legal Education. He is married and blessed with four children.
A New Chapter for INEC
Political observers told Akahi News that Amupitan’s appointment signals a possible shift towards more reform-driven leadership in the electoral commission. With his strong legal background and administrative experience, analysts believe he could bring fresh strategies to tackle recurring electoral challenges such as logistics failures, voter apathy, and digital transparency.
However, others warn that the task ahead remains daunting, given Nigeria’s complex political landscape and growing demands for electoral accountability.
For President Tinubu, ensuring that INEC operates independently and efficiently under Amupitan’s leadership may become one of the defining tests of his administration’s commitment to democratic consolidation.
As Nigeria looks toward upcoming off-cycle and general elections, the eyes of the nation — and indeed the world — will be on Professor Joash Amupitan to deliver on his promise of lawful, transparent, and credible electoral conduct.
Stay updated with all political and governance developments via Akahi News — Nigeria’s trusted source for reliable, analytical, and up-to-date reporting.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
