The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has appointed seasoned journalist and former PUNCH Editor, Adedayo Oketola, as his Chief Press Secretary.
The appointment was announced in Abuja on Monday, October 27, 2025, marking the first major media-related appointment under Amupitan’s leadership of the commission.
Oketola succeeds Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served as Chief Press Secretary to former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
With nearly two decades of professional experience, Oketola is a multiple award-winning journalist widely regarded for his editorial excellence and integrity.
He previously held several key editorial positions at The PUNCH, including News Editor, Business Editor, and Assistant Editor for News and Politics, before becoming Editor.
Under his leadership, The PUNCH was named Newspaper of the Year at the 2023 Nigeria Media Merit Awards, where Oketola also won Editor of the Year.
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He had earlier received the Zimeo Excellence in Media Award twice, in Johannesburg (2015) and Nairobi (2016), and the Editor of the Year title at The Industry Awards 2022.
In his remarks following the appointment, Amupitan said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening transparency, integrity, and professionalism in the commission’s communications.
He expressed confidence that Oketola’s experience would enhance public engagement and ensure that INEC’s activities are effectively communicated to Nigerians at home and abroad.
Oketola’s appointment is seen as a strategic step in reinforcing INEC’s media relations as preparations intensify for upcoming electoral exercises across the country.