The newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), is expected to officially assume duty next week, in preparation for the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Reliable sources within the commission confirmed that Professor Amupitan’s resumption will follow his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu, which is traditionally conducted before a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
A senior INEC official involved in the transition disclosed, “Prof. Amupitan will take over immediately after his swearing-in. The President will perform the ceremony ahead of the FEC meeting, after which he will proceed to the commission’s headquarters to assume office.”
Another source hinted that the commission is already making quiet preparations for his arrival. “Some of his personal aides have been sighted around the headquarters. The anticipation is that he could resume any time next week,” the source revealed.
However, when contacted, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, noted that there was no confirmed date yet. “We are expecting him, but no official communication has been made regarding when he will resume,” she said.
Professor Amupitan, aged 58, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was confirmed last Thursday by the Senate, following a rigorous screening session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
President Tinubu had earlier nominated him to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman recently came to an end. In the interim, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu has been overseeing the commission’s affairs as Acting Chairman.
Meanwhile, the commission has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, gave the assurance in Awka on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists and on-air personalities ahead of the poll.
“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, and sensitive materials will arrive under tight security in due course,” Olumekun stated.
He added that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise would be available for collection between October 22 and 26, urging eligible voters to visit their wards to obtain their cards ahead of the poll.
Olumekun disclosed that INEC teams had been in Anambra for a week-long operational review, meeting with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination.
He also cautioned against fake news and misinformation, describing them as grave threats to electoral integrity. “False narratives can sow unnecessary fear and mistrust. The media must verify before amplifying,” he warned.
The Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Awgu, said logistics had been perfected to guarantee the timely distribution of materials, including those meant for riverine areas.
“Materials will leave the CBN depot on Thursday afternoon. We are confident there will be no delay in arrival at polling units,” she assured.
Polling, according to her, would commence at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m., with every voter on the queue before closing time allowed to cast their ballot.
She reaffirmed that the commission’s focus remains on ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Also in attendance at the media forum were key INEC officials — Emeka Nnaji (ICT/VR), Mrs. Olachi Nwuko (Legal), and Ejikeme Ejimofor (Electoral Operations) — who reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Olumekun concluded, “Together with the media and stakeholders, we aim to make the 2025 Anambra governorship election a benchmark for Nigeria’s democratic progress — peaceful, transparent, and credible.”
