Tinubu to Amupitan: Make 2027 Elections Transparent, Violence-Free
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to uphold transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, shortly after administering the oath of office, Tinubu said credible elections remain the foundation of public trust and democratic stability.
“I urge you, Professor Amupitan, to protect the integrity of our elections and the institutional capacity of INEC. Your first test will be the Anambra governorship election in November 2025,” the President said.
The appointment, which was confirmed by the Senate last week, marks a new chapter for INEC following the exit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the commission’s longest-serving chairman.
Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy has evolved through reforms and innovation since 1999, stressing that the credibility of elections must be “beyond reproach.”
“To maintain public trust in elections, every stage — from registration to campaigning, voting, and counting — must be transparent, non-violent, and credible,” Tinubu noted.
He added that elections are the people’s “exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future,” calling on Amupitan to build on past successes and strengthen institutional integrity.
Amupitan Pledges Credibility, Collaboration, and Staff Welfare
Speaking with reporters after taking the oath, Prof. Amupitan vowed to uphold the Constitution and ensure credible, fair, and free elections.
“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and to deliver transparent and credible elections,” he said.
He promised to collaborate with political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies, noting that no electoral process succeeds without stakeholder cooperation.
At INEC headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan described his appointment as a “divine call to national service”, pledging to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Our mandate is clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of Nigerians. To achieve this, we must work as a team,” he stated.
The new INEC chairman also made staff welfare a top priority, pledging better working conditions and adequate resources for personnel to perform efficiently.
“We’ll ensure conducive working conditions and provide our staff with the necessary tools to excel,” Amupitan added.
Anambra Governorship Election: A Litmus Test for INEC
Amupitan described the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election as a defining moment for his leadership, promising to ensure a process that restores voter confidence.
“The upcoming Anambra election is not just another poll. It’s our opportunity to prove our commitment to credible elections. Every voter must be assured their vote will count,” he declared.
INEC Transition and Institutional Legacy
The outgoing acting INEC chair, May Agbamuche-Mbu, handed over to Amupitan, commending his appointment as “a recognition of scholarship, patriotism, and integrity.”
She reminded him of the huge expectations ahead, saying,
“Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and Nigerians’ expectations have never been higher. But you are stepping onto a firm foundation laid by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.”
Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu for introducing technological innovations such as BVAS and IReV, which strengthened electoral transparency and voter confidence.
She urged Amupitan to uphold integrity, innovation, and endurance in leading the electoral body.
“This assignment demands sacrifice, patience, and dedication. But I have no doubt that you are equal to the task,” she concluded.
