Prof. Joash Amupitan to Assume Office as INEC Chairman Next Week — Commission Gears Up for Anambra Poll

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The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, is expected to officially assume office next week, ahead of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election, Emmynet24 news media has learnt.

Multiple senior officials at the commission confirmed that Amupitan’s swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu would likely take place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for next week.

“Prof. Amupitan will assume office on the day he is sworn in by the President.
The tradition is that he gets sworn in before a Federal Executive Council meeting and would be escorted by INEC National Commissioners to resume office immediately,”
a senior official involved in the transition said.

Another INEC director, who also confirmed the development, said while the exact date remains uncertain, the inauguration is imminent.

“He will assume his position after his inauguration,” the director said.

Preparations Underway for New Chairman’s Arrival

Sources within the commission disclosed that preparations are already in progress for Amupitan’s assumption of office, noting that some members of his personal staff have been sighted at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

“I heard some of his aides have been showing up at the commission, expecting he’ll be sworn in during the FEC meeting,”
an insider said.

Another added, “I learnt that he may likely assume office next week.”

When contacted, the Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the commission was awaiting official communication.

“We are expecting him, but there is no information yet on when he will officially assume office,” she said.

Who Is Prof. Joash Amupitan?

Amupitan, 58, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
He was confirmed by the Senate last Thursday following a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The don’s confirmation came after a rigorous screening session where he fielded questions on electoral reforms, constitutional law, and institutional integrity.

President Tinubu had earlier nominated Amupitan to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure recently came to an end.

In the interim, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has been serving as Acting Chairman, presiding over several stakeholder meetings at the commission’s headquarters.

INEC Reaffirms Readiness for Anambra Governorship Election

Meanwhile, INEC has restated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Awka, during an engagement with journalists and on-air personalities.

“Permit me to assure you that INEC is fully prepared for the upcoming Anambra governorship election.
All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements,” Olumekun said.

He added that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will be available for collection from October 22 to 26, 2025 across wards in the state.

Olumekun cautioned against the spread of fake news and misinformation, warning that manipulated stories could undermine public trust in the electoral process.

“False stories and doctored videos can create unnecessary tension.
Let truth remain your only compass — verify before amplifying,” he advised journalists.

Anambra REC Confirms Logistics Readiness

On her part, the Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Elizabeth Awgu, said logistics for the election had been finalised, including distribution arrangements for riverine areas.

“Materials will leave the CBN state headquarters on Thursday afternoon.
There will be no late arrival of materials. We are very much prepared for this election,” she said.

She also reaffirmed that polling will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., with all voters on queue before the deadline allowed to cast their ballots.

Other senior INEC officials present — including the Heads of ICT/VR, Legal, and Electoral Operations — reiterated the commission’s resolve to ensure transparency and efficiency.

“Together with the media, we are determined to make the 2025 Anambra governorship election a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey — peaceful, transparent, and credible,”
Olumekun concluded.