Amupitan arrives Aso Rock for swearing-in as new INEC Chairman

Newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for his official swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu.

Amupitan, dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, arrived at the State House on Thursday morning, exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries and guests ahead of the ceremony slated for 1 p.m.

His arrival comes a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment on October 16, following a rigorous screening process.

During his screening, the 58-year-old law professor promised to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible.

“We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally return,” Amupitan told lawmakers.

He also pledged to strengthen INEC’s independence, tighten provisions in the Electoral Act, and enhance transparency in election timelines and result management.

Amupitan, who was nominated by President Tinubu and approved by the National Council of State, succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive head of the electoral body.

Addressing concerns about his alleged role in President Tinubu’s 2023 election petition case, Amupitan dismissed the claims, insisting he never represented any party before the tribunal or the Supreme Court.

“I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties,” he said, stressing his neutrality and independence.

Following his swearing-in, the new INEC Chairman is expected to immediately assume duties and begin the transition process at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.