…Says public trust in the Commission is “sacred”
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating all forms of electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the Commission will “combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying.”
Amupitan, who assumed office in October, made the declaration on Tuesday while swearing in Prof. Adeniran Tella as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State. The ceremony, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, marked Tella’s redeployment as part of efforts to strengthen electoral administration nationwide.
Describing the ceremony as “a solemn occasion; an occasion of call to duty,” Amupitan underscored the weight of responsibility that accompanies the role of a REC.
“This is a profound responsibility, placing you at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic journey in one of our states,” he said.
The INEC Chairman stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections cannot be compromised under any circumstance.
“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands,” he noted. “Your role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner is absolutely critical to the success of this democratic project. I must be unequivocal and I admonish you that the integrity of our elections is non-negotiable.”
Amupitan issued a stern warning against any action capable of undermining the Commission’s procedures, values, or public trust.
“Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” he cautioned.
“You must focus on transparency, strictly adhering to every guideline and every procedure laid out by the Commission and the Electoral Act. Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted.”
Reaffirming INEC’s determination to restore voter confidence, Amupitan added:
“We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying. The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred.”
In his response, Prof. Tella expressed gratitude for the chairman’s guidance and pledged to align fully with the Commission’s vision.
“The honourable chairman’s remarks are very much brimming with value and experience,” he said.
Prof. Tella, a scholar of Strategic Management and Public Policy, currently serves as Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences, Atiba University, Oyo. He previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti States, representing Osun State, with his first term concluding in September 2025.
The redeployment is expected to further strengthen preparations for the 2027 elections as INEC intensifies reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, professionalism, and public confidence in the electoral process.
