‘Anambra will serve as litmus test’ — Tinubu tasks Amupitan on credible elections

President Bola Tinubu has tasked Joash Amupitan, the newly sworn-in chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with ensuring that the forthcoming Anambra governorship election serves as a model of credibility and transparency.

At the swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday at the State House, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment and senate confirmation signify confidence from both the executive and legislative arms of government.

The president urged the new INEC chairman to discharge his duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism, describing his assumption of office as the beginning of a challenging but rewarding journey.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s democracy has grown stronger through institutional reforms and innovations but must continue to improve to meet the expectations of the people.

He noted that credible elections are essential to sustaining public trust and deepening democratic governance.

“The significant achievement marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism,” Tinubu said.

“Our democracy has come a long way. In 25 years we have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our democratic 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 multifaceted society.”

He emphasised that election credibility must be beyond doubt, adding that transparency, non-violence, and fairness should define every stage of the process.

“The integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach. It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must continue to improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and preparing for today,” Tinubu said.

“To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected in all aspects of the process—from registration to campaigning, immediate access, voting and counting—should be transparent, non-violent and very credible.

“No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen institutions ensuring they are robust, resilient, and safeguarded against artificial setbacks.”

Charging the new INEC chairman ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election, Tinubu said the poll would be a “litmus test” for Amupitan’s leadership and the commission’s commitment to credible elections.

“I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment to preserve the integrity of our elections and electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” he said.

Speaking after the swearing-in, Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to defend the constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws, promising to deliver credible, free, and fair elections in line with the president’s charge.

He added that he would engage all stakeholders to strengthen confidence in the process, noting that his first major test — the Anambra governorship election — would be approached with diligence once he has been fully briefed by the commission.

“So I will reaffirm the oath I have just taken, that I’m going to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as it relates to the electoral system, and like the President said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free election,” Amupitan said.

“Not just that, I will ensure that that is done. I’m also going to engage all the stakeholders, because no matter how you set the barometer and the level of success, you still need all the stakeholders to be able to succeed.”