INEC Chairman Amupitan appoints ex-PUNCH Editor Adedayo Oketola as Chief Press Secretary, pledging transparency, credible elections, and staff welfare reforms.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has appointed Mr. Adedayo Oketola, a respected journalist and former Editor of The PUNCH newspaper, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
The appointment, announced by the commission on Monday, represents a new strategic direction in INEC’s communication approach and commitment to transparency.
According to INEC, Oketola’s appointment is aimed at strengthening the commission’s engagement with Nigerians, the media, and key stakeholders in the electoral process. He succeeds Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served under former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Adedayo Oketola brings nearly two decades of experience in journalism, having served in various editorial and managerial capacities at The PUNCH. A multiple award-winning journalist, he is known for his excellence in news management, business reporting, and editorial leadership.
During his tenure as Editor of The PUNCH, the newspaper won the prestigious Newspaper of the Year Award at the 2023 Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA). Oketola was also honoured as Editor of the Year at the same event, cementing his reputation as a leader in Nigerian journalism.
Before attaining that position, he held other critical roles such as News Editor, Business Editor, and Assistant Editor (News & Politics) of Saturday PUNCH.
His professionalism and consistency have earned him several recognitions, including The Industry Awards’ Editor of the Year (2022) and two Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards in Johannesburg and Nairobi (2015, 2016).
Colleagues describe him as a visionary newsroom leader, known for balancing truth, accuracy, and innovation in journalism. His appointment is therefore viewed as a deliberate move to enhance INEC’s public trust through effective communication and credible information management.
While announcing the appointment, INEC Chairman Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Speaking after his swearing-in last week, the INEC boss described his emergence as a divine calling to serve the nation with sincerity and purpose.
“I am here for a purpose. Maybe if I had a choice, I would have said I would not come here. But from all indications, I can see that God is moving this country, and my coming is divine. With God saying go, who am I to say no? I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed,” he said.
INEC Chairman Amupitan stressed that the credibility of elections under his leadership will not be negotiable. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and accountability within the commission, stating that every member of staff must work in synergy to achieve credible outcomes.
“Our mandate is clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people. The integrity of our electoral process must never be compromised. Every voter must feel assured that their vote counts,” Amupitan declared.
His remarks reinforced his belief that credible elections form the foundation of national stability and democratic progress.
Beyond electoral credibility, INEC Chairman Amupitan also emphasized the importance of staff welfare and capacity building. He noted that the commission’s success largely depends on a motivated and well-equipped workforce.
“For me, staff welfare is going to be a priority. We will expect a lot from you, and because of that, you also deserve to be well-equipped and supported to deliver. We will work assiduously to ensure that your working conditions are conducive and that you have the necessary resources to excel,” he stated.
He further assured INEC staff that under his leadership, there would be renewed focus on training, technology-driven reforms, and operational efficiency to improve election administration nationwide.
The appointment of Adedayo Oketola has been widely commended by journalists, civil society groups, and political observers. Many describe the move as a step toward enhancing INEC’s relationship with the media and strengthening public trust in the commission’s information system.
Dr. Bamidele Alabi, a media scholar and political communication expert, lauded the decision, saying:
“Oketola’s professional background and ethical journalism align perfectly with INEC’s need for clear, factual, and timely communication. This is a strong signal that Prof. Amupitan is serious about rebuilding trust in the electoral process.”
Similarly, advocacy groups under the Civil Society Situation Room applauded INEC Chairman Amupitan for choosing a qualified professional rather than a political appointee. They noted that transparent communication is key to combating misinformation and ensuring public confidence ahead of future elections.
With Oketola now at the helm of INEC’s media affairs, the commission is expected to adopt more proactive and digital communication strategies. Analysts predict that his experience will help INEC expand its engagement through social media, voter education programs, and public sensitization campaigns aimed at promoting credible elections.
The move also aligns with Prof. Amupitan’s broader agenda to modernize INEC’s operations through digital transformation, effective staff management, and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders.
Observers believe that by combining Amupitan’s leadership philosophy with Oketola’s media expertise, INEC can strengthen its credibility and set a new standard in electoral transparency and professionalism.
The appointment of Adedayo Oketola as Chief Press Secretary marks an important milestone in the evolving leadership of INEC Chairman Amupitan.
With integrity, professionalism, and open communication at the heart of his administration, Amupitan’s leadership is poised to redefine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
By integrating experienced professionals, prioritizing staff welfare, and committing to transparency, INEC Chairman Amupitan is positioning the commission as a model of credibility, discipline, and accountability — a development that could reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape for years to come.
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