Tinubu to Amupitan: Anambra Governorship Election Is Your Litmus Test

The upcoming Anambra governorship election will be a turning point in President Bola Tinubu’s life, he told Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the 15th Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday.

This was said by President Tinubu during a brief ceremony held inside the Presidential Villa’s Council Chambers in Abuja, where he also swore Amupitan in as INEC chairman.

Amupitan was tasked by the president with advancing Nigeria’s democratic process by making sure that polls are reliable and flawless.

Tinubu stated that INEC, led by Amupitan, must endeavor to enhance institutional capacity, even if he acknowledged that no electoral process is flawless.

As you embark on this significant task, Professor, I hereby urge you to uphold the integrity of our elections and electoral process while bolstering INEC’s institutional capability.

Recall that the Senate recently vetted Amupitan prior to his swearing-in after he was appointed and approved by the National Council of State.

He takes over as the official chairperson of INEC, the national electoral umpire, in lieu of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

“Your nomination to the important role and your subsequent confirmation by the Senate is a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arm of government,” Tinubu said, congratulating Amupitan on his new position.

The noteworthy accomplishment signals the start of a demanding but worthwhile path, and I have faith that you will carry out your duties with the utmost honesty, commitment, and patriotism.

Our democracy has advanced significantly over the past 25 years as a result of innovations and reforms that have strengthened and reinforced our democratic institutions, especially our democratic systems. We must now continue to uphold the values that support democracy in a complicated, multidimensional society, even if we have come a long way and made substantial progress from where we were many years ago.

“The electoral process is an essential component of a democracy, protecting the people’s sole authority to select their leaders and determine their own destiny. To guarantee that our democracy endures, the integrity of our electoral system must be unquestionable.” The credibility, fairness, and freedom of our elections are crucial. In order to solve the issues of yesterday and provide guidance for today, we must keep refining our election process.

“Electoral integrity must be safeguarded in order to preserve public confidence in elections. Every step of the process, from registration to campaigning, instant access, voting, and counting, must be open, peaceful, and highly credible.

Although no electoral system is perfect, institutions must be continuously strengthened to ensure they are strong, resilient, and protected from fabricated defeats since elections are crucial to a country’s future.

Therefore, I give you, Professor Amupitan, this significant task to safeguard the integrity of our elections and electoral process while bolstering INEC’s institutional ability.

Amupitan Accepts Responsibility and Explains Appointment as a Divine Call

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the recently appointed Chairman of INEC, formally took office at the commission’s Abuja headquarters on Thursday, calling his appointment a “divine call to national service.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swore Amupitan in earlier today at the State House in Abuja. She replaces Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who had been acting chairman after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu left.

During a short handover ceremony, Amupitan thanked God for what he called a “divine assignment” and promised to guide the commission with honesty, openness, and discipline.

“I think there’s a divine reason I’m here. Although I could have made a different decision if I had the chance, it is obvious that God is directing the affairs of our nation. Who am I to stop Him now that He’s said go? “I am here to contribute to the creation of a new Nigeria,” he declared.

Along with other senior officials from the university where he previously worked, the new INEC boss, who was accompanied by his wife, kids, and Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the vice chancellor of the University of Jos, promised staff that he would be dedicated to their professional development, well-being, and capacity building.

Amupitan emphasized the value of cooperation, accountability, and commitment to legitimate elections, emphasizing that cooperation between the commission’s departments and employees is essential to its success.

Delivering free, fair elections that accurately represent the people’s will is our unmistakable duty. Our electoral process’s integrity cannot be compromised. Every Nigerian needs to be sure that their vote matters, he said.

Additionally, he pledged to put employee well-being first and create an environment that supports excellence.

“We will expect the best of you, but we will also make sure that you have the resources, encouragement, and support you need to carry out your responsibilities well,” Amupitan stated.

The upcoming Anambra governorship election, set for November 8, 2025, will be a test of INEC’s dedication to reliable polls and a manifestation of its institutional preparedness, he said, acknowledging the massive challenge ahead.

Even though we have a huge task ahead of us, we can overcome every obstacle if we work together. We must demonstrate that we are deserving of the confidence that the country has placed in this institution because all eyes are on us,” he continued.

Amupitan described Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu’s tenure as stable and professional, and he praised her for her leadership during the transition period.

Additionally, he commended INEC employees for their dedication to their work and exhorted them to stay united and concentrated on advancing Nigerian democracy.

Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu had earlier in her handover remarks congratulated Prof. Amupitan on his appointment, characterizing the changeover as a time of continuity and renewal in the commission’s history.

“Today is an important day in our commission’s history and, in fact, in the democratic journey of our country. She declared, “It is a day of continuity, renewal, and unwavering dedication to the principles of credible elections and good governance.”

As INEC wraps up its preparations for the Anambra election, the former Acting Chairman stated that Amupitan’s appointment was an acknowledgment of his remarkable record as a law scholar, administrator, and patriot. He also added that he was taking office at a crucial moment.

She said that four National Commissioners had already been in Anambra State for a readiness assessment visit, which is a common pre-election procedure to make sure personnel, supplies, and logistics are ready.

She claims that Amupitan is taking over a commission that was established on a solid basis by former Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who oversaw the introduction of historic technological reforms by INEC, such as the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

“The way is clear; the foundation has been established. “The construction, the consolidation, and the forward march are what lie ahead,” Agbamuche-Mbu stated.

She praised the commission’s staff as tenacious, professional, and patriotic public workers who will completely assist Amupitan’s administration and expressed confidence in his ability to lead.

“Under your direction, Professor Amupitan, I have no doubt that the commission will reach even higher heights and fortify the basis of our democracy even more,” she said.

Agbamuche-Mbu wished the new chairman a tenure characterized by “wisdom, integrity, innovation, and enduring impact” as he formally presented the handover notes and important administrative paperwork.

“As you assume this honorable and challenging role, I once again congratulate you and wish you great success on behalf of the National Commissioners, Resident Elec­toral Commissioners, Directors, and all staff of the commission,” she said.