The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally ushered in a new era of leadership on Thursday, October 23, 2025 with the historic handover to its newly appointed substantive Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, in a ceremony held at the Commission’s Headquarters.
The event, which was marked by a sense of solemn duty and renewed commitment to democracy, served as an official introduction between the new Chairman and the core management staff of the Commission.
In her heartfelt welcome address, the Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally presented the handover notes to Professor Amupitan. She described the day as “a significant moment in the life of our Commission and indeed our nation’s democratic journey.”
She highlighted the critical timing of his appointment, coming on the heels of the Commission’s final preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for 8th November 2025.
“You are assuming office at a most crucial time,” she stated, noting the absence of four National Commissioners who were currently in Anambra State on a readiness assessment exercise.
“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.”
She assured the new Chairman that he was stepping onto “firm and fertile ground” laid by his predecessors and expressed unwavering confidence in the staff of INEC, whom she described as “some of the finest, most experienced, and most patriotic public servants in Nigeria.”
The ceremony featured the formal introduction of the Commission’s directors, referred to as the “generals on the field of electioneering,” who head INEC’s 23 departments. The directors present represented the full spectrum of the Commission’s operations.
The event was also graced by a high-powered delegation from the University of Jos, the alma mater of the new Chairman, underscoring the institution’s significant contribution to the nation’s electoral body. The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Bursar, and the Librarian.
Also present in a show of support were Professor Amupitan’s wife, Professor Yemisi Amupitan, and their children.
