Tinubu to INEC Chair Amupitan: Don’t compromise Nigeria’s electoral integrity

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), to defend the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, saying credible elections remain the foundation of a stable democracy.

Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office to the new INEC boss at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate a week ago, reflects the confidence reposed in his competence and character by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“I urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this national assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections, strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC, and ensure credible outcomes that reflect the will of the people,” the President said.

He reminded the new INEC chief that his first major test would come in November with the Anambra governorship election, which he described as an opportunity to prove his leadership and commitment to fair play.

“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you. This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the President said the nation had made significant progress through reforms, innovation, and lessons learned from past electoral experiences.

“Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system. To ensure that democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must remain beyond reproach,” he said.

Tinubu noted that while no electoral system is flawless, transparency and credibility at every stage, from voter registration to collation are essential for sustaining public confidence.

“Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. We must continuously improve our electoral process by learning from past challenges and innovating for tomorrow,” he stated.

The President urged Amupitan to uphold transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence in all future polls, stressing that Nigerians are counting on INEC to deepen trust in the ballot and strengthen democracy.