INEC Chairman, Amupitan Makes Fresh Appoint

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has approved the appointment of a former Editor of The PUNCH, Adedayo Oketola, as his Chief Press Secretary.

The appointment comes following the exit of Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served under the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

INEC confirmed the development in its daily bulletin released on Monday in Abuja. The bulletin, signed by the commission’s Editor-in-Chief and Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, stated that the appointment was formally conveyed in a letter by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, dated October 24, 2025.

“The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, has approved the appointment of Mr. Adedayo Eriye Oketola as his Chief Press Secretary,” the statement read.

Award-Winning Journalist

Oketola, described as a “multi-award-winning journalist with nearly two decades of experience,” has held several editorial positions in The PUNCH. He was News Editor, Business Editor, and later Assistant Editor (News and Politics) of Saturday PUNCH before becoming Editor.

During his tenure, the newspaper won the Newspaper of the Year at the 2023 Nigeria Media Merit Awards, while he was also honoured as Editor of the Year. That same year, he received the Editor of the Year award at The Industry Awards.

Oketola is also a two-time winner of the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards, held in Johannesburg (2015) and Nairobi (2016).

Congratulatory Message from Commission

Oriaran-Anthony, in her congratulatory note, urged Oketola to bring his professionalism to bear in the new role and uphold the values of transparency and integrity.

“Mr. Oketola’s track record in journalism and inclusive reporting should guide him in discharging his duties with fairness and professionalism,” she said.

Amupitan Reaffirms Transparency

Since assuming office last Thursday, Prof. Amupitan has reiterated his commitment to integrity, transparency, and discipline in the management of Nigeria’s electoral process.

He also pledged to prioritise staff welfare while promoting teamwork and accountability across the commission.