PHOTOS: Agbamuche-Mbu hands over to new INEC chairman Amupitan

Joash Amupitan on Thursday assumed office as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Shortly after the swearing-in, Amupitan, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the commission’s headquarters.

During the formal handover, May Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC’s acting chairperson, described Amupitan’s appointment as a recognition of his distinguished record as a legal scholar and patriot and a call to national service of the highest order.

Agbamuche-Mbu said the new INEC chairman was assuming office at a most crucial time when the commission is at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra state governorship election.

“The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher,” she said.

“However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, under whose leadership the Commission recorded landmark innovations, from the introduction of technology-driven processes such as the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.

“The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation and the forward march.”

While speaking, the INEC chairman highlighted the importance of integrity and transparency in fulfilling the electoral body’s constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, starting with the forthcoming Anambra governorship poll.

He also called for unity among stakeholders to restore voter confidence and address voter apathy.

“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivotal opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” Amupitan said.

“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.”

The INEC chairman expressed enthusiasm about his new role, noting that through teamwork, the values of democracy can be strengthened for the credibility of elections.

“The paths may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. I want to thank you for your commitment and your service, and I look forward to working closely with all of you as we embark on this very, very important mission. For us, I am here for a purpose,” he said.

“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country and my coming is divine.

“So once God says go, who are you to say I’m not going? I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that the new Nigeria is better.”

 See pictures below.