New INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has vowed to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, describing it as non-negotiable.
Speaking at his first meeting with INEC directors after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu, Amupitan pledged to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the true will of Nigerians. He said the November 8 Anambra governorship poll will be a test of his commitment.
He called for unity and cooperation within INEC and among stakeholders, stressing that credibility is key to restoring voters’ confidence. “We must not compromise our values or processes. The integrity of our elections is not something we should negotiate,” he stated.
Amupitan assured staff of improved welfare and described his appointment as a divine call to serve a new Nigeria anchored on democracy and transparency.
Former Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who handed over to him, urged Amupitan to build on the reforms of his predecessor, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, including the introduction of BVAS and IReV technologies.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu charged the new chairman to serve with integrity and patriotism, saying the Anambra election would be a litmus test for his leadership.