Joash Amupitan, the new head of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has pledged to uphold the Constitution and the electoral laws of Nigeria.
He made this statement while speaking to journalists shortly after President Bola Tinubu sworn in at the State House in Abuja.
“I just took the oath of allegiance as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, as you may be aware.
In terms of the electoral system, he said to journalists on Thursday, “I reaffirm that I will defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Amupitan added that the country’s Constitution had clearly mandated him to ensure fair, credible, and free elections.
I’ll involve all parties involved in this process, not just making sure it’s done. You need all stakeholders to succeed, he said, regardless of how success is measured.
READ MORE: INEC Chairman Amupitan Meets Headquarters To Take Over Office
He said he would speak after receiving briefings from national commissioners, but that he would not do so in the upcoming Anambra election.
A week after the Senate approved his appointment following a thorough screening on October 16, President Tinubu swore in Amupitan as INEC Chairman.
Later, the new chairman accompanied by his family and close friends to the INEC headquarters in Abuja to officially take office.
Amupitan has been the electoral body’s substantive head since 1999 when democracy first emerged.
“Keep Democracy Strong”
President Tinubu appoints Amupitan to strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process during the swearing-in.
Your nomination and confirmation show the Executive and Legislative confidence in you.
In 25 years, our democracy has advanced significantly. Our electoral process must remain impartial, credible, and free to keep it strong. Therefore, I ask that you take steps to improve the security of our elections and strengthen the institutional framework of INEC.
Amupitan arrived at the State House earlier in the day, exchanging greetings with onlookers, and wearing a white agbada and gold cap.
Electoral Legitimacy
The 58-year-old law professor was subjected to extensive inquiries during his Senate screening about how he intends to restore Nigeria’s electoral legitimacy and implement meaningful reforms.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Amupitan promised to give reforms that boost voter confidence and promote transparency prioritization.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser can congratulate the winner and declare, “You won fairly and well. When that occurs, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored, he said.
Amupitan also refuted reports that he was a member of President Tinubu’s legal team at the upcoming presidential election.
He reiterated his impartiality to lawmakers by saying, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any of the parties.”
