Olayiwola Matthew
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally ushered in a new era of leadership on Thursday with the historic handover to its newly appointed substantive Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, in a ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The event, which was marked by a sense of solemn duty and renewed commitment to democracy, served as an official introduction between the new Chairman and the core management staff of the Commission.
In her heartfelt welcome address, the Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally presented the handover notes to Professor Amupitan.
Mbu described the day as “a significant moment in the life of our commission and indeed our nation’s democratic journey.”
She highlighted the critical timing of his appointment, coming on the heels of the Commission’s final preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
“You are assuming office at a most crucial time,” she stated, noting the absence of four National Commissioners who were currently in Anambra State on a readiness assessment exercise.
“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher,” she said.
She assured the new Chairman that he was stepping onto “firm and fertile ground” laid by his predecessors and expressed unwavering confidence in the staff of INEC, whom she described as “some of the finest, most experienced, and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria.”
The ceremony featured the formal introduction of the Commission’s directors, referred to as the “generals on the field of electioneering,” who head INEC’s 23 departments. The directors present represented the full spectrum of the Commission’s operations.
The event was also graced by a high-powered delegation from the University of Jos, the alma mater of the new Chairman, underscoring the institution’s significant contribution to the nation’s electoral body.
The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Bursar, and the Librarian.
Also present in a show of support were Professor Amupitan’s wife, Professor Yemisi Amupitan, and their children.
In his inaugural address, Professor Amupitan expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and acknowledged the weight of the responsibility bestowed upon him.
He assured the staff of his commitment to “upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline,” and immediately zeroed in on the upcoming Anambra election, declaring it “a pivotal opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.”
“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion,” he stated, emphasizing the need to restore voter confidence and address voter apathy.
Professor Amupitan called for unity and synergy among the Commission’s various departments. “Let us break down silos. Foster open communications and create an environment where every voice is heard and valued,” he urged.
Significantly, he announced that staff welfare would be a top priority of his administration.
“It’s a priority because we are going to expect so much from you. So, we need also to be so honest to meet your expectations,” he said, promising to be just and fair.
He concluded on a hopeful note, expressing his belief in the collective ability of the Commission to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly to create legitimacy of our elections,” he said.