The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating election rigging and vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan, who assumed office in October, gave the assurance while swearing in Prof. Adeniran Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
He stated that the commission had no choice but to uphold integrity, noting that “the eyes of the nation are upon us” and that public trust in INEC must be protected.
‘A Solemn Call to Duty’
Addressing the ceremony, Amupitan described the responsibility before Tella as significant, placing him “at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
He reiterated that credible elections remain the foundation of the country’s democracy, stressing that the REC’s role is critical to ensuring transparency and fairness.
“The integrity of our elections is non-negotiable,” he said. “Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated.”
He warned that misconduct, whether deliberate or accidental, would face consequences, urging strict adherence to INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act.
Pledge to Strengthen Electoral Credibility
Amupitan also restated INEC’s resolve to tackle all forms of electoral malpractice.
“We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying,” he said. “Your primary duty must be to assure voters that their choice truly counts.”
He emphasised that transparency and discipline must guide every aspect of electoral administration.
Tella Responds
In his response, Tella expressed gratitude for the chairman’s guidance and pledged to align his work with INEC’s goals.
He described Amupitan’s remarks as “brimming with value and experience,” promising to uphold the commission’s standards in Oyo State.
Tella, a Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, is Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University. He previously served as REC in Oyo and Ekiti, representing Osun, with his first term ending in September 2025.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
