The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has made his first major appointment, naming award-winning journalist and former PUNCH newspaper editor, Adedayo Oketola, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
The announcement, made by the commission on Monday, signals the beginning of a new era in INEC’s communication and public engagement process.
Oketola succeeds Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served as CPS to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for 10 years.
A veteran journalist with close to two decades of experience, Oketola is widely regarded for his professionalism and innovative newsroom management.
Before his appointment, Oketola served as Editor of The PUNCH, during which the newspaper clinched the prestigious Newspaper of the Year award at the 2023 Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA).
He was also personally recognised as Editor of the Year at the same event.Adedayo OketolaHis earlier editorial roles included News Editor, Business Editor, and Assistant Editor (News & Politics) of Saturday PUNCH. Over the years, he has bagged several national and international journalism honours, including The Industry Awards’ Editor of the Year (2022) and the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards in 2015 and 2016, held in Johannesburg and Nairobi respectively.
Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Prof. Amupitan has reiterated his commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and discipline in managing Nigeria’s electoral system.
Speaking shortly after his swearing-in last week, Amupitan described his appointment as “a divine call to national service.
“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 stated.
He underscored teamwork, credibility, and voter confidence as the cornerstones of his leadership vision.
“Our mandate is very clear — to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people. The integrity of our elections is not negotiable. Every voter must feel confident that their vote counts,” Amupitan said.
The INEC boss also pledged to prioritise staff welfare, promising to create a conducive working environment and provide the tools needed for optimal performance.
