The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has described his appointment as a divine call to national service, vowing to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process at all costs.
Speaking on Thursday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, shortly after officially taking over from Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who served as Acting Chairman following the exit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Amupitan pledged to uphold transparency, discipline, and accountability in election administration.
Amupitan, who was sworn in earlier in the day by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, said his mission at INEC was guided by faith and a deep sense of duty to the Nigerian people.
“I am here for a purpose. Perhaps if I had a choice, I might have declined, but it’s clear that God is moving this country in a new direction and my coming here is divine,” he said.
“With God’s mandate, who am I to say no? I believe I have a role to play in ensuring that a new Nigeria is born.”
Accompanied by his family, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, and other dignitaries from the institution where he previously served, Amupitan assured INEC staff that his administration would prioritise staff welfare and professional development.
He emphasised that teamwork, synergy, and institutional cohesion were critical to INEC’s success, stressing that public confidence in elections must be restored through credibility and transparency.
“Our mandate is clear, to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people. The integrity of our elections is not up for negotiation. Every voter must believe that their vote counts,” Amupitan declared.
The new INEC boss also promised improved working conditions and better resourcing for the Commission’s staff, noting that effective performance could only come from a motivated workforce.
“We expect a lot from our staff, and because of that, you deserve to be well equipped and adequately supported to deliver. We will make your welfare a top priority,” he assured.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Amupitan said the poll would be a critical test of INEC’s commitment to credible elections.
“The task ahead is enormous, but together we can meet it. The eyes of the nation are upon us. We must rise to the occasion and prove that we can deliver elections that meet Nigerians’ expectations,” he said.
Amupitan also commended Agbamuche-Mbu for her leadership during the transition period and lauded INEC staff for their dedication and resilience.
He urged all departments to work collaboratively, break bureaucratic barriers, and stay united in pursuit of democratic excellence.
“Let us uphold the values of democracy and work with one mind to strengthen the credibility of our elections. The journey may be demanding, but if we stand together, there is nothing we cannot achieve,” he concluded.
