The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today Thursday 23rd October received its new man at the helm of affairs, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as he assumed office as the substantive Chairman of the Commission in a ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
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.”
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, Prof. 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.”
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.
Concluding on a hopeful note, Professor Amupitan expressed confidence in the Commission’s collective ability to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.