Professor Joash Amupitan Set to Assume INEC Chairmanship Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election

Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is expected to officially assume office next week, just days before the November 8 Anambra State governorship election. His assumption of duty is anticipated to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s electoral body, coming at a crucial time when the commission is preparing for one of the most closely watched off-season elections in the country.

According to reports from The Punch, several senior INEC officials confirmed that Amupitan would take charge once President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally administers his oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony, which traditionally takes place before a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, is expected to be conducted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Once sworn in, Amupitan will be escorted by INEC’s National Commissioners to the commission’s headquarters to assume his duties immediately.

A top INEC official explained that the commission has already begun internal preparations to facilitate a seamless transition. “Professor Amupitan will assume office on the day he is sworn in by the President. The tradition is that he gets sworn in before the Federal Executive Council meeting, after which he resumes immediately. Some of his aides have been sighted at the commission, making preliminary arrangements for his arrival,” the source disclosed.

Although no official date has been confirmed for the ceremony, several insiders within the commission indicated that it would likely take place next week. Another source noted, “I heard from reliable channels that he might take over before the end of next week. Everyone is preparing for that eventuality because the Anambra election is too close for comfort.”

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Transition at a Critical Electoral Moment

INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, confirmed that the commission is expecting the new chairman’s arrival, though she clarified that there has been no formal communication regarding the exact date. “We are expecting him, but there is no official information yet on when he will officially assume office,” she said.

The appointment of Amupitan, who is 58 years old, follows his recent confirmation by the Senate during its plenary session last Thursday. His confirmation came through a unanimous voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after a detailed screening session where lawmakers grilled him on various issues relating to electoral reforms, constitutional interpretation, technology in elections, and international democratic standards.

President Tinubu had nominated Professor Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ended recently after overseeing two general elections and several off-cycle polls. Yakubu’s tenure was widely recognized for introducing major technological reforms, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), both of which transformed Nigeria’s electoral process despite facing operational challenges.

Amupitan’s arrival is expected to inject fresh energy into INEC, particularly as it navigates the sensitive political landscape ahead of the Anambra governorship election. Analysts believe his tenure will be immediately tested by the logistical and political pressures of conducting a credible election in one of Nigeria’s most politically vibrant states.

Profile of the Incoming INEC Chairman

Professor Joash Amupitan is a distinguished legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with over three decades of experience in academia, legal practice, and constitutional law. He holds a law degree from the University of Jos, where he later became a Professor of Law and has served in various administrative and academic capacities. His professional expertise in governance, ethics, and the rule of law is expected to influence his approach to managing the electoral body.

During his Senate screening, Amupitan emphasized the importance of strengthening the independence of INEC and ensuring electoral credibility through transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to constitutional principles. He also pledged to build on the technological reforms introduced under his predecessor while prioritizing capacity development for staff and improved voter education.

“The integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to democracy. My commitment is to make sure INEC operates independently, transparently, and efficiently. We will continue to improve on what has been achieved while addressing lapses identified in previous elections,” he told lawmakers during the screening.

Acting Leadership and Ongoing Preparations for Anambra Pol

While awaiting Amupitan’s official assumption of office, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has been serving as Acting INEC Chairman. In this capacity, she has presided over several crucial meetings with stakeholders, political parties, security agencies, and election observers in preparation for the Anambra election.

Under her temporary leadership, INEC has reportedly made significant progress in distributing sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, training ad hoc staff, and strengthening security coordination. However, with the election date approaching, the commission faces heightened expectations to deliver a smooth and credible poll that reflects the will of the people.

Observers say Amupitan’s leadership will likely focus on consolidating INEC’s recent reforms, tackling logistical shortcomings, and improving coordination with security agencies. His first major assignment—the Anambra governorship election—will serve as a litmus test for his administrative and leadership style, as well as his ability to maintain public confidence in the commission’s neutrality.

As preparations intensify, the political climate in Anambra remains charged, with major parties—APC, PDP, Labour Party, and APGA—ramping up their campaigns. Stakeholders hope that Amupitan’s assumption of office will signal renewed confidence in INEC’s capacity to conduct free, fair, and credible elections across Nigeria.