President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure that elections remain free, fair, and credible.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the State House Council Chamber in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasised the need for continuous improvement in Nigeria’s electoral system, noting that democracy thrives only when elections reflect the true will of the people.
The President said it was crucial for INEC, under Professor Amupitan’s leadership, to address past challenges while embracing innovation to enhance transparency and credibility in future polls. He urged the new chairman to strengthen the institutional capacity of the commission and safeguard public confidence in the electoral process.
“Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.
“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach,” he added.
Tinubu noted that the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State would serve as an early test for the new INEC leadership.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow,” the President said.
