President Tinubu Charges New Election Chief with Protecting Fair Voting Process

Nigeria’s leader, Bola Tinubu, has called on the freshly installed head of the Independent National Electoral Commission to keep a close watch on the trustworthiness of the country’s voting system, warning that solid elections form the bedrock of any healthy democracy.

Professor Joash Amupitan took his solemn vow of duty on Thursday afternoon in the grand council room at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, just weeks after senators gave their stamp of approval to his nomination. Tinubu, presiding over the ceremony, praised the scholar’s pick as a nod to his sharp mind and upright nature, wishing him luck in his opening big task: overseeing the governorship contest in Anambra State this coming November.

The president looked back on the nation’s democratic path since the return to civilian rule in 1999, pointing out how it has weathered storms through smart tweaks and hard lessons from earlier hiccups. He insisted that no part of the voting chain—from signing up to vote, to rallies, casting ballots, and tallying results—can afford even a whiff of doubt if people are to keep faith in the system. “We must guard the electoral process and the institutional strength of INEC with unyielding resolve,” Tinubu stressed, adding that openness, broad involvement, and peaceful conduct must mark every step forward.

While admitting that no setup runs without flaws, Tinubu pushed for ongoing fine-tuning to tackle old troubles and spark new ideas, ensuring the process stays above board and earns lasting respect from all.

In his reply, Amupitan promised to stick faithfully to the nation’s founding rules, vowing to run contests that ring true with fairness and freedom for everyone involved. He highlighted the need for teamwork with political outfits, watchdogs from society, and safety teams, noting that real wins hinge on all hands pulling in the same direction.

The new chief steps into the shoes of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who guided the commission for a full decade starting in 2015, marking the longest run in its books.