Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has confirmed he will not accept any political or diplomatic positions after his tenure ends. He made this declaration during a panel discussion at Chatham House in London on Thursday, focused on Nigeria’s upcoming elections and the region’s stability.
Amupitan assured the audience that he would reject any future appointments, unlike his predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, who accepted an ambassadorial role from President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 elections. Yakubu was among 32 nominees for ambassadorial positions submitted to the Senate in November 2025 and was later appointed Nigeria’s non-career ambassador to Qatar.
He explained that his role with INEC requires impartiality and a commitment to conducting free and fair elections. “I took an oath of allegiance, not only to be neutral but to ensure that the conduct of the election is free, fair, and credible,” he said.
While Amupitan emphasised the importance of public service, he also acknowledged that public officials should have opportunities to focus on personal interests after their terms. He highlighted his background in corporate governance, mentioning that he is aware of lucrative prospects in the private sector, saying, “I know where the hidden wealths are in this world, part of which are in Nigeria.”
