President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the sixth substantive Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), charging him to serve with integrity and uphold the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s nomination on October 16.

In his address, President Tinubu commended the new INEC Chairman for his distinguished career and the confidence reposed in him by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“Your nomination and subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government,” Tinubu said. “This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the President noted the progress made in strengthening democratic institutions, particularly through electoral reforms.

“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years,” he stated. “We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.”

President Tinubu emphasized that electoral integrity remains central to sustaining democracy, urging Prof. Amupitan to build on the commission’s achievements and address emerging challenges.

“The electoral process grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” Tinubu said. “To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”

The President further noted that the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, would serve as a litmus test for the new INEC leadership.

“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” he said. “All aspects of the process—from registration to campaigning, media access, voting, and counting—should be transparent, non-violent, and credible.”

He charged the new Chairman to “protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” stressing that no electoral system is perfect but must be continuously improved.

Prof. Amupitan, 58, succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to 2025. During his Senate screening, Amupitan outlined plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral framework, enhance institutional independence, and rebuild public trust in the commission.

He is expected to assume office immediately.