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Edo poll: Military mans state boundaries, EFCC goes after vote buyers
There was a heavy presence of soldiers on the borders of Edo State with Kogi, Delta, Ondo and Anambra states on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the South-South state.
In addition, about 100 operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had also been deployed in the state to forestall incidences of vote-buying during the poll.
A total of 17 political parties will be participating in the election with the All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party leading contenders in the election.
Detachments of soldiers and policemen were also observed along Akpapava Road, Ring Road, Sapele Road bypass, Ramat Park, Benin-Agbor Road and Oregbeni, a known dark spot in the city.
However, residents went about their businesses as the deployment did not dampen commercial activities at the Oba Market, Lagos Road, Mission Road, Forestry and Sakponba Road.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the police contingent for the election, Frank Mba, said the deployment of military personnel to the state was meant to ensure a hitch-free poll.
“Like the IGP has already briefed Nigerians, the police will be deploying adequately for the Edo election. What we have done today (Wednesday) is to hold a meeting with the strategic commanders, DPOs, Area Commanders, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Commissioner of Police who are saddled with the task of providing leadership and supervision at the various levels.
“Our task is to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of a free, fair and credible election. We are working with sister agencies as we cannot work in isolation. The state shares borders with Kogi, Delta, Ondo and Anambra states, so the security will be adequately done. The Army will man these border areas that are far away while the Navy will also provide security on the waterways, while other security organisations will also work with us during the election,’’ he stated.
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the Port Harcourt Zonal Director, Adebayo Adeniyi, would lead the anti-graft agency’s team in the state.
He said, “100 EFCC operatives were deployed to monitor the elections. Port Harcourt Zonal Director of the EFCC, Adebayo Adeniyi, leads the team.”
In readiness for the exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission Thursday commenced the deployment of more than 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems and other sensitive materials for the election.
The electoral body distributed sensitive materials to the 18 local government areas of the state in the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Akpakpava junction, Ring Road, Benin.
The hired vehicles that conveyed the materials to various locations were stationed beside the CBN, coming in one after the other to load the materials.
The electoral officers and the police were also on hand to accompany the materials to their various destinations.
The area was closed to commercial activities as the roads were cordoned off.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum, supervised the distribution of the material along with the INEC commissioner in the state.
Speaking to journalists, he said, “We are here at the Central Bank to send the sensitive materials to their various local governments. Before that, we signed the materials, took the political parties and the security agencies to observe. To the glory of God, all of them have seen the sensitive materials and we have sent them to the various local governments.
“We started with Edo North, then Edo Central before Edo South Senatorial District. We invited everyone; you know INEC has the tradition of carrying everybody along.
“The sensitive materials include results sheets, voting sheets, we call voting sheets form A, we have form B, is the ward collation results, form C, is the local government collation results,
“INEC had 13 programmes which were published on 26 September 2023. So far, we have executed 11 out of the 13 programmes and the 12th one ended today (Thursday). Today (Thursday) is the last day, the politicians are not expected to campaign again. So, the 13th one will end September 21.”
Parties applaud INEC
Party officials were also at the venue to monitor the distribution process.
Despite the early morning drizzle, the distribution team moved under the canopy set up for other stakeholders to continue the process.
Former Speaker of the Edo State House, Festus Ebea, who represented the APC, commended the distribution process and noted that the idea of distributing to Edo North was good.
He said that the distribution process was transparent, noting that the meeting with party officials on Wednesday when the materials got to the CBN made the distribution easier.
“The transparent nature of the distribution is commendable. We were also here on Wednesday when the materials arrived and the fact that the materials to far-flung areas are being distributed first is something we are happy with,” Ebea stated.
PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, also noted that the party was happy that the Edo REC and the national commissioner in charge of the state were on the ground to sign the documents.
He said, “We are satisfied for now. The REC and the national Commissioner are on the ground to sign the forms needed to conduct the election and that is commendable. So far, so good for us in the PDP
“We will now call on the police to ensure that the materials get to the local government offices of the commission safely,” he added.
The Edo State INEC Public Relations Officer, Toyin Buoro, confirmed on Thursday that most of the electoral materials had been moved to the INEC offices in the local government areas.
She said, “I can confirm to you that the materials have all reached the local government area offices of the commission. I called before now and I was told that the one going to Akoko Edo arrived in Auchi safely.’’
An official at the INEC office in Oredo Local Government Area said the materials had reached the office for onward distribution to wards and polling units.
“We have received materials here and all hands are on deck to ensure that the materials get to the polling units on time,’’ he said.
The Edo State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Greg Igbinowahia, said the process of distributing material was transparent and that certain issues raised by stakeholders on Wednesday should be looked into.
INEC issued a reminder to all political parties contesting the election that all campaigns, which commenced April 24, must come to an end by midnight of Thursday.
In a statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Thursday, the commission emphasised that the deadline was in line with section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and the official timetable and schedule of activities for the election.
“All campaigns by political parties end at midnight today, Thursday, September 19, 2024,” Olumekun said, warning that it would be illegal for any party to continue engaging in rallies, processions or media campaigns after the deadline.
The prohibition is backed by section 96 of the Electoral Act, which also outlines sanctions for violations.
The electoral body also reminded parties, candidates, and their supporters that they are prohibited from appearing at polling units in campaign attire or carrying campaign materials on election day.
“It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight today. These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them,” he noted.
INEC urged all parties to comply with the legal provisions to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process in Edo State.
“We urge parties, candidates and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance,” the statement added.
As the countdown to the poll continued, the PDP, APC and LP have expressed hopes of winning the contest.
LP’s Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, said his party stood a chance of winning the election, having crisscrossed the state during the campaign.
He said the party candidate, Olumide Akpata, has the pedigree to take the state to greater heights.
He noted that the people should avoid voting for the APC and the PDP, parties who do not have the competence to move the state forward.
Also, a PDP leader noted that the party candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had the experience to take the state to an enviable height.
According to him, they have done the hard part of the job, calling on the people to go out on Saturday and vote for PDP.
He said, “We have the best candidate who knows what to do to take the state to an enviable height. He is tested and proven to be a worthy candidate.
“I call on the electorate to come out en masse and vote for Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie. They will make life better for everyone and continue the good job Obaseki has started.
The Director of Media, Edo APC campaign council, Kassim Afegbua, noted the party candidate, Monday Okpebholo and his deputy Dennis Idahosa, remained the best combination for the state.
He stated that Okpebholo is compassionate and has what he takes to take the state away from its present parlous state.
“We have no fear about this election. The unimpressive job done by the present government will sway votes our way. No amount of cajoling of the public can help the PDP,” he added.
To encourage the electorate, the Edo State Government declared Friday (today) a work-free day in the state to enable workers and other electorates to travel to their voting areas.
In a statement, Joseph Eboigbe, Secretary to the Edo State Government, reassured that security measures had been put in place to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
“This is to enable workers and other electorate to travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the State,” the statement read.
With hours to the poll, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism and impartiality in carrying out their duties.
Responding to a question on the deployment of 43, 000 police officers for the off-cycle election, Mba said, “The duty of the police in this election is huge and we are prepared to ensure there are no security lapses on our part.
“The polling units will be manned by the police and security will be given to the INEC offices in the local government area. Also, the marine police alongside the Navy will provide security in the coastal communities. There will be roving patrols, standby units, units that will provide escort services and so many others. So, there is a need for a high number of officers involved.
“It is also an off-cycle election and it can be problematic because of other idle politicians coming into the state to cause some problems and we don’t want that to happen. My message to Edo people is that irrespective of the number of policemen and other security agencies on the ground, we are here to provide security and not intimidate anyone.
“This election has witnessed the best synergy between all the security outfits and we will operate within the provision of the law.”
Vote buyers
On vote-buying, he said this started from homes and not even on the election ground.
‘’As we are talking now, people can engage in vote-buying but we will work within the law to ensure that does not happen,’’ Mba said.
Also speaking on their preparedness for the poll, Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, pledged they would ensure a credible and hitch-free poll.
The PDP had accused the police of colluding with the APC to rig the election but speaking Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adejobi, dismissed the allegations that the police are siding with a political party and targeting opposition members.
He stated, “And let me take the opportunity to say that we are going to do our job in Edo. Edo is here in 2024. We want to appeal to all of them, let us play the game according to the rules of the game. Let every individual, and every stakeholder, perform their duty as expected. And we are going to get it right.
“We expect to have free, fair, and credible elections in those states (Edo and Ondo). The IGP has said it, and I want to reiterate tonight that we will remain professional and impartial, and of course, we will carry out our duties with excellence.”
In response to questions about those arrested in Edo State, Adejobi clarified that the individuals were apprehended in connection with the murder of a police officer, emphasizing that the police do not have information about their political affiliations.
He stated, “We have conducted our scientific investigation and forensic analysis of the incidents, and we have identified some individuals who have been found guilty in this case. Therefore, for anyone to claim that we are targeting members of a political party is unfair and not acceptable.
“We want everyone to be reasonable and understand that we will not fold our arms. The IGP, as the top policeman, does not sit idly by while his men are killed.
“We always emphasise that this is not the first time we have pursued those responsible for the deaths of our policemen. This is not an exceptional case. We are actively pursuing this case, it is in court and for those still involved, we are expanding the scope of our investigation to ensure we hold them accountable.”
Meanwhile, a civil society group, Yiaga Africa, says it can detect fake results at the end of the poll.
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, disclosed that Yiaga Africa would deploy a total of 325 trained and accredited observers, both stationary and roving, to monitor the Edo State governorship election.
“This includes 300 stationary observers who will be placed at a randomly selected sample of 300 polling units across the 18 local government areas.
“INEC must also maintain consistency in applying its guidelines, particularly regarding the suspension of elections due to significant disruptions, the cancellation of votes in cases of over-voting and the application of the margin of lead principle,” Itodo added.
Black spots
Earlier, Yiaga Africa’s chairperson of the 2024 Edo Election Mission, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, urged INEC to demonstrate its capacity to conduct a transparent, credible and efficient election.
This is even as she urged the voters to demonstrate resilience by turning up to vote.
“Voters should also resist attempts at vote-buying, intimidation and manipulation before, during and after the election,” Abdullahi added.
Abdullahi identified eight local government areas of Edo State as hotspots for violence in the election, urging security agencies to ensure adequate deployment of personnel.
The group listed the LGs as Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West and Etsako East.
”The volatile security environment in these LG’s necessitates a strategic and neutral deployment of security forces,” Abdullahi said in a statement.
“Yiaga Africa notes the tense and volatile political climate for the election. The campaign period was a signpost with strong-arm tactics and violence. The activities of cult groups and political thugs intensified amid the employment of violence and intimidation to suppress specific units and LGAs.”
On vote-buying, the group noted, “Yiaga Africa observed multiple instances of voters’ inducement during the pre-election campaign period in Edo State. Political parties and politicians continue to distribute cash, gifts and food items to entice voters.
“These practices of voter inducement undermine the integrity of the electoral process, as they can distort the free will of the electorate and compromise the democratic principle of free and fair elections. Yiaga Africa is concerned that this practice may extend to Election Day, turning the polling units into the epicentre of vote buying.”
As part of its support for a hitch-free poll, the Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria on Thursday offered prayers for the smooth conduct of the governorship election with a charge to the electorate to vote for the candidate of their choice.
The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, says the Presidency will stand by the Nigerian Military’s position that there was never a coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to Naija News, on October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had released a statement describing as false and misleading the reports online that alleged that activities to mark the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria were cancelled over an attempted coup plot.
The rumours of a coup intensified further after President Tinubu sacked the Service Chiefs.
In an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Dare said the Presidency will stick to the narrative of the Nigerian Military that there was no coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to him, the presidency will only change its position when the military says otherwise, because the military is constitutionally empowered to secure the country.
He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.
“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”
In a significant turn of events, the military has taken decisive action by arresting a managing director linked to a burgeoning coup plot.
This strategic move comes amid an extensive investigation into the financial resources allegedly earmarked to support the coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
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As the situation unfolds, there are growing concerns regarding the potential involvement of various stakeholders in this conspiracy.
Military investigators probing an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu are reportedly grilling a Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South South region, according to The PUNCH.
Two intelligence officers confirmed that the MD was arrested for allegedly transferring a huge sum of money to a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who was fingered as one of the financiers of the alleged plot to forcefully change the government.
According to reports, investigators believe the funds were meant to finance the coup.
“The MD (name withheld) transferred a huge sum of money to Sylva. Investigators are working on the theory that the fund transfer was connected to the coup. He is presently answering questions about what the money was meant for.”
Former Bayelsa governor Sylva’s Abuja house was reportedly raided by investigators on Saturday, with military operatives arresting his younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and went away with his driver.
The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.
Sources with knowledge of the operation explained that he was planning to return to the country when he heard that the coup leaders had been arrested. He thus shelved his plan to return home.
“Sylva’s Abuja home was raided on Saturday, but he wasn’t around. His younger brother, Paga, who is the SA, Domestic, and the driver, were arrested. Investigators believe Sylva allegedly funded the coup plot. Sylva was abroad and was preparing to leave for Nigeria when he got wind of the arrest of the coup leaders. So, he stayed back.”
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, could not be reached for comments on Tuesday as they didn’t pick up calls from our reporter.
Gusau had, in a statement on October 4, said that 16 officers were detained for breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement partly read.
However, online platform SaharaReporters claimed that the detained officers — ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General —were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
It also alleged that the officers were arrested at their homes across the country.
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Source: The Punch
Tension is palpable across the communities of Abuja following a foiled coup attempt, prompting authorities to intensify their efforts against those suspected of involvement in the plot.
In a significant development, members of the Nigerian Army executed a search operation at the Abuja residence of Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
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This raid is part of a broader investigation spearheaded by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) into the alleged conspiracy.
According to reports from SaharaReporters, this operation underscores the serious nature of the allegations flying around and the government’s commitment to unraveling the details behind this troubling incident. The atmosphere of uncertainty and concern in the capital seems to be growing as investigations unfold.
Multiple security sources confirmed to SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the army raid occurred at Sylva’s home in the Maitama area of Abuja.
According to insiders, a “special military team” carried out the operation after intelligence linked the “former South-South governor” to secret meetings allegedly held with some of the detained military officers.
“Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled Nigeria,” one top source familiar with the development told SaharaReporters.
“He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, named Paga, was picked up during the raid. The operation also extended to his Bayelsa residence.”
Another security insider said that while no official statement had been issued regarding the raid, the action was “not random” but “a direct response to intelligence linking certain political figures to the alleged plotters.”
This development comes amid growing tension within the armed forces following SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that at least 16 senior military officers had been detained incommunicado by the DIA over an alleged coup plot.
The detained officers, drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, have been held for over three weeks in an undisclosed Abuja facility under what sources described as “unusual and suspicious conditions.”
Family members told SaharaReporters they initially believed their relatives had been kidnapped, as there was no official communication from the military regarding their arrests.
“It’s been 18 days since those 16 officers were detained in an undisclosed location. At first, we thought our brother was kidnapped before finding out what transpired from his friend who works in the NSA office,” a family member had said.
Security analysts have questioned why the DIA, an intelligence agency under the Ministry of Defence, is spearheading the investigation instead of allowing each military service to handle its personnel internally, a move seen as “highly political.”
“If the military were truly conducting a disciplinary operation, over 10,000 cases could emerge. Why only 16 officers, and why hand them to the DIA?” one retired officer asked. “This smells of politics. There’s clearly more going on behind the scenes.”
Speculations are now rife that the alleged plot and subsequent arrests may have deeper political undertones, potentially involving some former office holders with ties to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and a close ally of late Buhari, served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources between 2019 and 2023.
He was also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 2023 Bayelsa election, which he lost to incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
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The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service revealed that 15 people, comprising seven female adults, seven male adults, and four children, had been rescued with varying degrees of injury.
A two-storey building has collapsed in the Oyingbo area of Lagos, leaving an undisclosed number of people feared trapped.
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, in a situation report, said that the agency received a distress call in the wee small hours of Monday.
Adeseye explained that the building located on 54, Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, had been marked ‘Distressed’ before it collapsed on the occupants.
She revealed that 15 people, comprising seven female adults, seven male adults, and four children, had been rescued with varying degrees of injury.
They were taken to the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.
She, however, said a rescue operation by the Sari Iganmu Fire Station of the LSFRS was ongoing.
“It is an ongoing rescue involving an existing two-storey building which has reportedly [been] marked distress before collapsing on the occupants.
“Fifteen adults (seven male adults, four female adults, and four children) have been rescued with varying degrees of injury and taken to Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta, and General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island,” the statement partly read.
Building collapses in Nigeria are a lingering concern, especially in the rainy season.
The incident happened weeks after six people were rescued in September after a two-storey building collapsed on Modupeola Street, Mangoro, Alimosho, Lagos.
Scene of the collapse of a three-storey building at Alagomeji, in the Yaba area of Lagos State.
On September 13, one person was confirmed dead when a three-storey building in Alagomeji area of the state collapse.
Police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh has warned activist and politician Omoyele Sowore and others against protesting over demolitions in Lagos.
Jimoh gave the warning while addressing journalists in the Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday.
He said the Lagos police command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder. He also mentioned that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.
“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law. The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it. Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and medical emergencies, ” Mr Jimoh said.
Jimoh said cops had been stationed at strategic points, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas to ensure peace and order.
“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid-down procedures. What we have seen in recent times is not protest but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Following the recent demolition in Oworonshoki, Mr Jimoh defended the government’s action, describing the affected areas as illegal structures and criminal hideouts.
“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians. The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated, and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he said.
He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.
“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit a crime; we will not permit that, ” he said.
The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.
“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety, and freedom of movement. We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” Mr Jimoh said.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, to prioritise transparency and non-violence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, saying credible polls remained the foundation of public trust and democratic stability.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja shortly after administering the oath of office on the new INEC boss, Tinubu said Amupitan’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate a week ago, was a mark of confidence in his competence and character by both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“I, therefore, urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the electoral process and the institutional capacity of INEC, and I wish you success on your first assignment in November 2025, which is the governorship election of Anambra state,” Tinubu said.
“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, your nomination and confirmation are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you,” Tinubu said, adding, “This marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibilities with the highest level of integrity, dedication, and patriotism.”
The President emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy, which has lasted since 1999, had evolved through reforms, innovation, and lessons learned from past challenges.
“Our democracy has come a long way. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly our electoral system. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach,” Tinubu noted.
President Tinubu added that while no electoral system was flawless, credibility and transparency at every stage, be it registration, campaigning, voting, and results collation, remained critical to sustaining public trust.
He said, “To maintain public trust in elections, electoral integrity must be protected, all aspects of the process from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non-violent and credible.
“Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future.
“We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.”
Tinubu urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and non-violence in future polls.
Shortly after the ceremony, Amupitan told State House correspondents that he would uphold the Constitution and engage all stakeholders in the pursuit of credible elections.
“I’ve just taken the oath of allegiance and the oath as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they relate to the electoral system. Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections, and that I will ensure,” he said.
The new INEC boss said his leadership would prioritise collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies.
“No matter how well you design the system, success requires the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.
Amupitan succeeds Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who is the longest-serving INEC chairman yet, having overseen the commission since 2015.
He took the oath of office at 1:50 pm at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Jos, was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2025, following his endorsement by the National Council of State.
The National Council of State had approved his nomination on October 9, two days after Yakubu’s exit.
Since the 1993 cycle, Nigeria’s election umpires have come from a handful of zones. The South-East produced Prof. Humphrey Nwosu from Anambra, who supervised the famed June 12, 1993 polls, and later Prof. Maurice Iwu (Imo), who oversaw the 2007 polls.
The South-South produced multiple chairpersons during the transition years. These include Okon Uya from Cross River, who served briefly after June 12, Sumner Dagogo-Jack from Rivers, who served as NECON chairman under Abacha, Justice Ephraim Akpata from Edo State, who oversaw the 1999 transition and Dr. Abel Guobadia (Edo) in 2003.
From 2010, the tide tilted to the North with the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega from Kano State (North-West), who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 elections and is widely credited with restoring confidence after the 2007 cycle.
He was succeeded by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu from Bauchi (North-East), who conducted the 2019 and 2023 polls, and expanded the use of biometrics and other forms of tech.
Amupitan is the first INEC chief from Kogi, North-Central.
Upon assuming duties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan vowed to restore credibility and public confidence in the country’s electoral system, declaring his appointment as a “divine” call to serve the nation.
Speaking during his first official meeting with the commission’s directors, he stressed that fulfilling the commission’s mandate would depend on teamwork, discipline, and integrity within the organisation.
The INEC chairman stated that his mission was to conduct free, fair, and credible elections while strengthening democratic values across the country.
“Our mandate is clear, and what is it? To deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. To achieve this, we must work together as a team,” he stated.
Addressing INEC staff and directors, the university don pledged to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“As we mark the beginning of the new chapter, I want to assure you of my commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity, transparency, and discipline in all our operations,” he said.
The INEC chairman described the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election as a defining moment for the commission.
“The upcoming Anambra state governorship election is not just another electoral exercise. It represents a pivot opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to free, fair, and credible elections,” he declared.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion.
“Credibility in our election is paramount, and we must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote will count. Because that is a constitutional task, and let’s restore back the confidence of every voter that whenever there is an election, their vote will count,” Amupitan added.
While promising to make staff welfare a central part of his agenda, he acknowledged that the commission’s workforce played a vital role in ensuring credible elections.
“For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. We are going to be expecting so much from you, so your welfare is going to be a priority.
“We’ll work assiduously and tirelessly to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are equipped with the necessary resources to excel,” the new INEC chairman assured staff members.
Amupitan, accompanied by his wife, children, and senior officials from the University of Jos, expressed gratitude to his academic colleagues, who celebrated his appointment.
“I was told that the whole university got shut down out of excitement. One of theirs is now given this very herculean and important responsibility of heading this commission at this time,” he said.
Despite the weight of his new responsibilities, he said he was ready for the challenge.
“The places I’ve gone to, including some national commissioners, they were saying, ‘I don’t envy you.’ But let me say that I am excited about the journey ahead.
“Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections,” he said.
He described his appointment as part of a divine plan.
“Maybe if I had a choice, I would say I would not come here. But from all the indications, I could see that God is moving in this country, and my coming is divine.
“If God says go, who are you to say ‘I’m not going?’ I’m here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed. And of course, you know, INEC has a very, very important role to play in this quest.
“God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of INEC, May Agbamuche-Mbu, formally transferred the reins to Amupitan.
Congratulating Amupitan on his appointment and swearing-in, she noted that his emergence was “a recognition of your distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator, and patriot, but also a call to national service of the highest order.”
She reminded him that he was assuming office at a “most crucial time” as the commission prepared for the Anambra governorship election, adding that four National Commissioners were already in the state on a readiness assessment visit.
Acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, she said, “Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians have never been higher.
“However, you are not walking into an empty field. You are stepping onto the firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.”
Agbamuche-Mbu praised Yakubu’s leadership for introducing “landmark innovations, from the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.”
Describing the assignment before Amupitan as “a herculean national service,” she expressed confidence in his capacity to lead.
“(It’s) one that demands sacrifice, patience, and unflinching dedication, but I have no doubt that you are equal to the task,” the national commissioner noted.
She presented the handover notes to Amupitan, saying, “May your tenure be marked by wisdom, integrity, innovation, and enduring impact.”
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