By Akombo Aondona, Abuja
Although the country’s extant laws gave the president the right to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the moral questions raised by this appear to be weighing heavily on the mind of new INEC Chairman, Josh Amupitan, a professor of law.
Consequently, Amupitan, on Thursday 23 October 2025, set the the upcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election as the first personal litmus test he intended to pass in flying colours by delivery a free, fair poll to signpost his appointment and tenure.
Amupitan stated this after taking over as the substantive INEC chairman at the commission headquarters in Abuja, urging Nigerians to hold him personally responsible if the Anambra election ended in a fiasco.
While handing over, the former INEC acting chairman Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu congratulates the new Chairman and promised staff support to enable him deliver to Nigerians.
May said: “It is with immense joy and deep respect therefore that I formally welcome and congratulate our new Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN on his well-deserved appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his swearing-in earlier today. Sir, your appointment is not only a recognition of your distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator and patriot but also a call to national service of the highest order.
“You are assuming office at a most crucial time; a period when the Commission is at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 8th November 2025. As we speak, four of our National Commissioners are in Anambra State on a Readiness Assessment Visit which is a routine exercise undertaken before every major Election to ensure that all logistics, materials and personnel are fully in place. Their absence here today is in the line of duty and a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to continuous readiness.
“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher. However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu under whose leadership the Commission recorded landmark innovations; from the introduction of technology driven processes such as the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence. The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation and the forward march.
“Professor Amupitan, this assignment before you is without doubt a herculean national service. One that demands sacrifice, patience, and unflinching dedication but I have no doubt that you are equal to the task. The Commission is blessed with some of the finest most experienced and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria. The staff of INEC have demonstrated time and again their resilience, professionalism and deep sense of duty in the service of our democracy. They will stand firmly with you as you lead the Commission into its next chapter.
“I can say with confidence that the staff of INEC are happy to welcome you, Sir. Together with you, they will continue to build an electoral process that meets the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, and one that upholds the sanctity of the people’s will.
“In my hands are the handover notes and supporting documents that contain details of the Commission’s ongoing programmes, administrative matters, and strategic priorities. These documents will, I trust, help you to settle in quickly and continue the work seamlessly.
“I want to thank my colleagues, the staff of the Commission and my country Nigeria for the privilege to have served as acting Chairman of this great Institution. I am confident that under your leadership, Professor Joash Amupitan SAN, the Commission will soar to even greater heights beyond your wildest imagination and further strengthen the foundation of our democracy.
“On behalf of the National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Directors, and all staff of the Commission, I once again congratulate you and wish you great success as you take on this noble and demanding responsibility. May your tenure be marked by wisdom, integrity and innovation”
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