Nigeria’s new electoral umpire, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), has indicated that his appointment as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not by accident but a divine call to service — one he intends to fulfil by safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s elections.
Speaking on Thursday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the law professor struck a tone of humility and conviction.
“I am here for a purpose. If I had a choice, perhaps I wouldn’t have come. But God is moving this country, and my coming here is divine. With God saying go, who am I to say no?” he said.
Taking over from Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who served in acting capacity following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Amupitan pledged to lead INEC with transparency, accountability, and discipline.
He described his mandate as both sacred and urgent: to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The integrity of our elections is not negotiable. Every Nigerian must be confident that their vote counts,” he declared.
Accompanied by his family, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, and colleagues from the institution, Amupitan was received by INEC directors in an interactive meeting that doubled as his first official engagement.
He assured the staff that his leadership would prioritise welfare, capacity building, and teamwork — values he said were essential to strengthening the Commission’s institutional independence.
“Our success depends on the commitment of every staff member. You will be adequately equipped and supported to perform your duties. Together, we can make INEC a model of transparency and efficiency,” he added.
The new INEC boss acknowledged the heavy task before him, particularly the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, which he described as the first major test of his administration’s credibility.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he said. “Let us rise to the occasion and show Nigerians that we can deliver elections that truly reflect their will.”
Amupitan also commended his predecessor, Agbamuche-Mbu, for her stewardship during the transition and urged staff to unite around a shared vision of credible elections and stronger democratic institutions.
“This is not about one man. It’s about building a legacy of trust. If we work as one family, with God on our side, INEC will deliver,” he concluded.
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