INEC Chairman-Designate Joash Amupitan Set to Assume Office Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is expected to officially take office next week, ahead of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.

Reliable officials at INEC told newsmen that Amupitan will assume his duties immediately after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu, a ceremony traditionally conducted during a Federal Executive Council meeting likely to hold next week.

A senior transition official disclosed, “Prof. Amupitan will resume work the same day he’s sworn in by the President. It’s customary for the ceremony to take place before the Federal Executive Council meeting after which he’ll be accompanied by National Commissioners to the headquarters.”

An INEC Director confirmed that while no official date has been announced, preparations for his assumption of office are already in motion. “He will take charge once inaugurated” the official stated.

Sources within the commission revealed that some of Amupitan’s aides have been seen at the headquarters in anticipation of his arrival, with indications pointing toward a possible swearing-in next week.

Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, also confirmed the expectation of his assumption, saying, “We are expecting him, though no definite information on when he will resume officially.”

Amupitan, a 58-year-old Professor of Law at the University of Jos and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was confirmed by the Senate last Thursday after a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. His confirmation came after a thorough screening process where he addressed several questions from lawmakers.

President Tinubu had earlier nominated the constitutional and international law expert to replace Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently ended. In the interim, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has been overseeing the commission’s affairs as Acting Chairman.

Meanwhile, INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a credible, transparent, and peaceful election in Anambra State on November 8.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, gave the assurance in Awka during a media engagement with journalists and on-air personalities. He explained that the commission had completed extensive operational plans covering logistics, technology, security coordination, training, and stakeholder collaboration.

“INEC is fully prepared for the Anambra governorship election. All non-sensitive materials are already in the state, while sensitive materials will be delivered shortly under tight security” Olumekun said.

He also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise will be available for collection between October 22 and 26 urging new registrants to visit their wards for pickup.

The commissioner emphasised that fake news and misinformation pose serious risks to electoral integrity. “False reports and doctored videos create unnecessary tension and erode trust. Always verify before publishing” he advised.

In her remarks, Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Awgu, confirmed that logistics arrangements were complete and that election materials would be distributed early to ensure timely commencement of voting across all areas, including riverine communities.

“Materials will leave the CBN state office by Thursday afternoon. We are confident there will be no delays. Voting will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., and everyone on the queue before closing time will be allowed to vote,” Awgu stated.

Also present at the forum were INEC department heads, including Emeka Nnaji (ICT/VR), Mrs. Olachi Nwuko (Legal), and Ejikeme Ejimofor (Electoral Operations), who jointly assured that the commission remains committed to transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Olumekun concluded, “With media collaboration, we are determined to make the 2025 Anambra governorship election a benchmark for credible, peaceful, and transparent polls in Nigeria’s democratic history.”