In a move that underscores a commitment to transparency and effective communication, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has appointed seasoned journalist and former Editor of The PUNCH newspaper, Adedayo Oketola, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
The appointment, announced on Monday, marks the beginning of a new communication era at the electoral body, with Oketola bringing to the commission nearly two decades of distinguished journalism experience and editorial leadership. He succeeds Rotimi Oyekanmi, who served under the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Adedayo Oketola’s name resonates strongly within Nigeria’s media circles. Known for his sharp editorial judgment, professionalism, and ethical depth, he has built a reputation as one of the country’s most respected newsroom leaders. His career at The PUNCH spanned key editorial roles — from Assistant Editor (News & Politics) for Saturday PUNCH to Business Editor, News Editor, and eventually Editor of The PUNCH itself, one of Nigeria’s most influential newspapers.
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Under his leadership, The PUNCHconsolidated its reputation for fearless journalism and public-interest reporting. Oketola’s editorial direction not only deepened the newspaper’s investigative edge but also positioned it as a consistent voice for accountability, democratic values, and societal progress.
Oketola’s career has been decorated with numerous awards that reflect his consistent pursuit of excellence. In December 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA), while The PUNC Hunder his leadership won Newspaper of the Year at the same event.
He had earlier been recognised as Editor of the Year at The Industry Awardsin 2022 and is a two-time winner of the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards, held in Johannesburg (2015) and Nairobi (2016). These accolades, among others, highlight his sustained contribution to media innovation and quality journalism across Africa.
Observers say Oketola’s appointment is both strategic and symbolic — signalling Prof. Amupitan’s intention to strengthen INEC’s relationship with the media and the Nigerian public. As Chief Press Secretary, Oketola will be expected to enhance the commission’s information management, public communication, and engagement with stakeholders, particularly in a period when public confidence in electoral processes is critical to national stability.
His background in journalism, rooted in accuracy, integrity, and people-centred storytelling, is seen as an asset to INEC’s mission of promoting transparency in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
With his track record of excellence and credibility, Adedayo Oketola’s entry into the nation’s top electoral institution represents a fusion of experience and purpose — one that could redefine how Nigeria’s electoral umpire communicates, explains, and earns the trust of the citizens it serves.