President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking the beginning of his tenure as head of the nation’s electoral umpire.
The swearing-in took place during an expanded meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
In his remarks at the ceremony, President Tinubu urged the new INEC Chairman to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission.
Amupitan’s appointment followed the approval of the National Council of State, to which the President had submitted his nomination. The Nigerian Senate, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had earlier screened and confirmed the nominee through a voice vote.
Also Read: Senate Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman
A professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014, with specialisation in company law, evidence, corporate governance, and privatisation law.
As he assumes office, Amupitan faces major electoral assignments, including the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 2025 and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls scheduled for February 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and House Member Julius Ihonbvere.
Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack; and several ministers from President Tinubu’s cabinet.
