Kehinde Ishola
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday vowed to combat all forms of electoral malpractice, including vote-buying, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan said the resolve had become non-negotiable because public trust in the commission must be protected at all costs.
“The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred,” he said.
The INEC chairman spoke at the commission’s headquarters while swearing in Prof. Adeniran Tella as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State. Tella’s redeployment is part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral administration nationwide.
Amupitan, who assumed office in October, described the ceremony as “a solemn occasion and a call to duty,” stressing the weight of responsibility placed on the new REC.
“This is a profound responsibility, placing you at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic journey in one of our states,” he said.
He reiterated INEC’s commitment to credible elections, declaring that the integrity of the nation’s electoral process was non-negotiable.
“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. Your role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner is absolutely critical to the success of this democratic project,” he added.
The chairman warned against any compromise of the commission’s procedures and values, noting that misconduct would not be tolerated.
“Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated. You must focus on transparency and strictly adhere to every guideline and every provision of the Electoral Act. Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted,” he said.
Amupitan charged the new REC to ensure voters’ confidence in the electoral process, stating that their choices must truly count.
“We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying. The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he said.
In his response, Tella pledged to align his duties with the commission’s vision and assured that he would uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
“The chairman’s remarks are brimming with value and experience. I assure the commission of my commitment to its ideals,” he said.
Tella, a Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, currently serves as the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo.
He previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti states, representing Osun, with his first term ending in September 2025.