The newly confirmed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has arrived at the State House in Abuja for his official swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Amupitan arrived at the State House on Thursday morning dressed in a white agbada and gold cap. He exchanged greetings with those present ahead of the ceremony that will mark his formal assumption of office as Nigeria’s electoral chief.
He was accompanied by some presidential aides, while the swearing-in is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
At the same time, Vice President Kashim Shettima is presiding over a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Council Chamber, attended by governors and deputy governors from the 36 states.
Tribune Online reports the Senate, last week, confirmed Amupitan’s appointment as INEC Chairman, following a screening session where lawmakers questioned him on his plans to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral system and drive reforms within the commission.
The 58-year-old professor of Law was nominated by Tinubu and endorsed by the National Council of State to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended, becoming the sixth substantive head of the INEC since establishment.
During his Senate screening, Amupitan said he would prioritise reforms aimed at ensuring transparent elections and strengthening public trust in the process.
The professor assured that he would focus on improving the provisions of the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance credibility.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser will congratulate the winner and say, ‘You won fairly and well.’ When that happens, voters’ confidence will naturally be restored,” he said.
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