Tinubu to New INEC Chair: Deliver Free, Fair, and Credible Elections

Tinubu to New INEC Chair: Deliver Free, Fair, and Credible Elections
CSOs urges Amupitan to sustain and deepen the electoral reforms initiated by his predecessor
Prof. Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday set the tone for Nigeria’s 2027 electoral season, charging the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to deliver elections that are free, fair, and credible.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that administering the oath of office at the State House, Abuja, the President said the integrity of Nigeria’s elections must be “beyond reproach,” stressing that sustained reforms were essential to correct past lapses and adapt to emerging realities.

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“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible. We must continue improving our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that protecting the sanctity of the ballot was central to Nigerians’ right to choose their leaders and shape their collective destiny.

According to the President, transparency, non-violence, and credibility must define every phase of the electoral process from voter registration to campaigning, voting, and result collation.

While acknowledging that no electoral system is flawless, Tinubu said consistent reform and institutional strengthening were vital to sustaining public trust.

“To maintain confidence in the process, electoral integrity must be protected,” he added, urging INEC to remain resilient and shield its operations from “artificial setbacks.”

Congratulating Amupitan on his appointment following Senate confirmation, the President described it as “a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.”

He reminded the new INEC chairman that his leadership would face an early test in the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, which, he noted, would serve as a benchmark for public confidence in the Commission.

“I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment, to preserve the integrity of our elections and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the President noted that the nation had made significant progress through electoral reforms and institutional strengthening over the past 25 years.

Tinubu to New INEC Chair: Deliver Free, Fair, and Credible Elections

“Our democracy has come a long way,” he said. “Sustaining its gains requires an unrelenting commitment to the principles that underpin democratic governance in a complex and multifaceted society.”

Speaking with journalists after his swearing-in, Prof. Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and deliver credible elections in line with the President’s charge.

“I reaffirm the oath I just took to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral process,” he said.

“Like the President stated, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and I will ensure that is done. I will also engage all stakeholders because, no matter how high you set the bar, success depends on cooperation from all.”

Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged Amupitan to sustain and deepen the electoral reforms initiated by his predecessor, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to further strengthen transparency and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s elections.