I will uphold the constitution, ensure credible polls – INEC Chairman, Amupitan

Joash Amupitan, the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has pledged to defend Nigeria’s electoral laws and uphold the Constitution.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Amupitan emphasized his commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.

“As you are aware, I have just taken the oath of allegiance and also the oath as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I reaffirm that I will defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as far as they relate to the electoral system,” he stated.

Amupitan added that President Tinubu had tasked him with ensuring credible polls nationwide, stressing the importance of engaging all stakeholders for the success of elections. He, however, declined to comment on the forthcoming Anambra State election until briefed by national commissioners.

The 58-year-old law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, and formally assumed office later on Thursday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by family and close friends. He becomes the sixth substantive head of INEC since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu charged Amupitan to safeguard electoral integrity and strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity. “Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. To keep it strong, we must ensure our electoral process remains free, fair, and credible. I therefore charge you to protect the integrity of our elections and strengthen INEC’s institutional framework,” the President said.

Amupitan also addressed concerns regarding his neutrality, denying claims that he was part of President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court. He reaffirmed his independence, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties.”

The new INEC Chairman, dressed in a white agbada and gold cap, now begins his tenure with a focus on electoral reforms, transparency, and rebuilding voters’ confidence, aiming to ensure that every Nigerian election is credible and respected by all participants.