2027 polls transparent: Tinubu charges Amupitan to ensure violence-free elections
By: Abudu Olalekan
“Make the 2027 elections transparent and free from violence,” Tinubu said, his voice steady. Because, let’s be real, credible polls? They’re the bedrock of public trust. The glue holding our democracy together. Without that, everything crumbles.
The oath-taking was quick but packed with meaning. At 1:50 pm sharp, in the Council Chamber, Tinubu administered the oath. Amupitan’s family—his wife, kids, and a crew of proud university colleagues from Jos—watched, beaming. Right after, Tinubu pulled Amupitan aside. Not literally, but you get it. He told him, “This appointment? It’s a massive vote of confidence from both the executive and the Senate. We believe in you. Protect INEC’s integrity. That’s your top job. No pressure, right?”
Tinubu then zoomed out. Talked about Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999. “We’ve come a long way, folks,” he said. “Built stronger institutions. But we can’t stop now. To keep our democracy alive, elections must be bulletproof. No, not perfect—no system is. But every single step? Voter reg, campaigns, voting, counting? Gotta be transparent. Fair. No funny business.”
Why? Because elections are the people’s power. Their right to pick leaders. That’s sacred. Gotta guard it.
Amupitan was ready. After the oath, he faced reporters. “I just swore to defend the Constitution,” he said. “And I’m all in. Gonna work with everyone—parties, activists, security agencies—to make elections credible. Teamwork, people. That’s the secret sauce.”
Now, who’s this Amupitan guy? He’s a big deal. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Law professor at the University of Jos. And the first INEC chief from Kogi State, North-Central. That’s history right there. He’s taking over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who held the fort since 2015—longest stint ever. Yakubu did wonders, too. Brought in BVAS and IReV tech. Made voting feel less like a gamble.
How’d Amupitan land this gig? The National Council of State gave the nod on October 9, 2025. Two days after Yakubu bowed out. Then, boom—Senate confirmed him October 16. Official.
When Amupitan hit INEC headquarters, it was like a hero’s welcome. His uni crew even shut down the whole campus celebrating! He told staff, “This is a divine call. Didn’t exactly apply, but when God says go? You go. I’m here to help birth a new Nigeria. INEC’s role? Huge.”
He hit the ground running. First meeting with directors? Laid it all out. “Our mission? Free, fair, credible elections. Every. Single. Time,” he said. “And we can’t do it solo. Team effort. Let’s crush this.”
He’s already eyeing the Anambra governorship election this November. First big test. “This isn’t just another vote,” he said. “It’s our spotlight moment. Show Nigeria—and the world—we mean business. Every vote counts. No slip-ups.”
Staff welfare? He’s on it. “You guys are the engine,” he said. “Work you hard, gotta look after you. Better pay, better digs. Whatever it takes. You’re frontline warriors.”
The handover from acting chair May Agbamuche-Mbu? Emotional. She praised Amupitan, saying his appointment shouts his “distinguished record” and calls him to “national service.” She nudged him—Anambra’s ticking clock means no honeymoon. And she tipped her hat to Yakubu’s tech legacy. “Tough gig,” she said. “But you’ve got this. Make us proud.”
So yeah. New sheriff in town. Mandate crystal clear: 2027 polls must be transparent. Violence-free. Nigeria’s democracy’s riding on it. No pressure, Prof.
