Amupitan Takes Charge at INEC: “The Eyes of the Nation Are Upon Us” he says

 

Amupitan Takes Charge at INEC: “The Eyes of the Nation Are Upon Us” he says

 

New INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, Tasks Staff to “Break Down Silos,” Outlines Dual Charge for Unity and Electoral Confidence

Abuja — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday formally ushered in a new era of leadership as Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, assumed office as the substantive Chairman of the Commission in a ceremony held at its headquarters.

The event, marked by a sense of solemn duty and renewed commitment to democratic ideals, served as the official handover between the outgoing Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, and Professor Amupitan.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu described the occasion as “a significant moment in the life of our Commission and indeed our nation’s democratic journey.”

She underscored the critical timing of Amupitan’s appointment, coming as INEC finalises preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

“You are assuming office at a most crucial time,” she noted, adding that four National Commissioners were already in Anambra on a readiness assessment mission. “The task ahead is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.”

The Acting Chairman assured the new helmsman that he was stepping onto “firm and fertile ground” laid by his predecessors and praised INEC staff as “some of the finest, most experienced, and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria.”

The ceremony also featured the formal introduction of the Commission’s directors — described as the “generals on the field of electioneering” — who head INEC’s 23 departments and oversee the Commission’s core operations.

Adding colour to the event was a high-powered delegation from the University of Jos, Professor Amupitan’s alma mater, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Bursar, and Librarian. The new Chairman was also joined by his wife, Professor Yemisi Amupitan, and their children.

In his inaugural address, Professor Amupitan expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and acknowledged the weight of the responsibility before him.

He pledged to uphold the “highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline” and immediately turned his attention to the forthcoming Anambra poll, describing it as “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 declared, emphasizing the need to restore voter confidence and tackle voter apathy.

Calling for unity across INEC’s departments, Amupitan urged staff to “break down silos, foster open communication, and create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.”

He also 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 honest in meeting your expectations,” he said, assuring fairness and accountability.

Concluding on a hopeful note, Professor Amupitan expressed confidence in the Commission’s collective ability to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly to create legitimacy in our elections,” he affirmed.

Would you like me to make a feature-style version next — with more narrative flow, background on Amupitan, and analysis of what his appointment means for Nigeria’s electoral system?