Fatimah otunsanya
The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is expected to officially assume office next week, ahead of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Multiple officials at INEC informed newsmen that Amupitan would formally take over the reins of the commission after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu, a ceremony traditionally conducted at the Federal Executive Council meeting, expected to be held next week.
“Prof. Amupitan will assume office on the day he is sworn in by the President.
“The tradition is that he gets sworn in before a Federal Executive Council meeting, and he would be escorted by INEC National Commissioners to resume office immediately,” a senior official involved in the transition process said.
An INEC Director confirmed that while the exact date remains uncertain, the swearing-in is imminent.
“He will assume his position after his inauguration,” the official said.
Activity within the commission also suggested that preparations are underway for Amupitan’s arrival.
An insider revealed, “I heard some of his ‘personal staff’ have been showing up at the commission, hoping he will be sworn in during the FEC meeting.”
Another insider added, “I learnt that he may likely assume office next week.”
When contacted by our correspondent, the Director Voter Education and Publicity Victoria Eta-Messi said, “We are expecting him but there is no information on when he will officially assume office.”