President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to uphold integrity, transparency, and fairness in the conduct of Nigeria’s elections.

The President gave the charge during Amupitan’s official swearing-in ceremony at the State House Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking during the brief but significant event, President Tinubu described the appointment and subsequent Senate confirmation of Professor Amupitan as a reflection of trust in his competence and moral strength.

He noted that the task ahead of the new INEC boss would require discipline, courage, and a deep commitment to democratic values.

“This is the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey,” Tinubu said. “I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.

To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected.”

The President urged the new INEC Chairman to ensure that every phase of the electoral process from voter registration to campaigns, voting, and collation remains transparent and credible.

He added that the commission must take deliberate steps to ensure that elections are peaceful, inclusive, and reflective of the people’s will.

Tinubu also reminded the new INEC leadership that the credibility of elections remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic stability.

According to him, the legitimacy of governance depends on the people’s confidence that their votes truly count.

“The electoral process is a vital part of democracy,” the President emphasized. “It safeguards the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future.

We must remain committed to these principles to ensure that our democracy continues to flourish.”