The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan has said that the integrity of the country’s elections are not to be negotiated.
Amupitan stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he officially resumed at the headquarters of the commission.
He stressed that the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025 was not just another electoral exercise.m, adding that it represents another opportunity for the commission to demonstrate its commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
He added that INEC has a constitutional responsibility and a statutory mandate to deliver free, fair and credible elections that reflects the will of Nigerian people.
He noted that to achieve this, they must work together as a team. leveraging their unique skills and expertise and to improve the process.
Amupitan stated: “The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is our duty to rise to that occasion. I have just been briefed about some of the preparations. So, the eyes of Nigerians are upon us today.
“I’m emphasising the need for us to work together in unity, and there should be that synergy and collaboration among our various units. As I have been informed, the 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 votes will come so that we can address this in your voter apparatus.
“Let us break down silos. Now I must stress that we should not compromise our values of processes that will have consequences. So the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate.”
Earlier, INEC National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, said Amipitan was assuming office at a most crucial time; a period when the Commission is at the final stage of preparations for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 8th November 2025.
She noted: “The task ahead, no doubt, is enormous. 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 under whose leadership the Commission recorded landmark innovations; from the introduction of technology driven processes such as the BVAS and IReV to the strengthening of institutional transparency and voter confidence.
“The foundation has been laid; the path is defined. What lies ahead is the building, the consolidation and the forward march.”