Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on election malpractice, declaring that combating rigging and vote-buying is now “non-negotiable.”
Speaking at INEC headquarters on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Prof. Adeniran Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State, Amupitan stressed that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections is the bedrock of its democracy.
Amupitan, who assumed leadership of INEC in October, described the ceremony as a solemn occasion and a reminder of the weight of responsibility carried by electoral officers.
“This is a profound responsibility, placing you at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he told Tella. “The integrity of our elections is non-negotiable. Any compromise on our values or procedures will not be tolerated.”
He urged strict adherence to INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act, warning that misconduct—whether deliberate or accidental—would be unacceptable.
The chairman emphasized that Tella’s foremost duty must be to instill confidence in voters that their choices 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. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred,” Amupitan said.
In his remarks, Prof. Tella pledged to align his work with INEC’s vision and thanked the chairman for his guidance. “The honourable chairman’s remarks are brimming with value and experience,” he noted.
A Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, Tella currently serves as Deputy Dean at Atiba University, Oyo. He previously held REC positions in Oyo and Ekiti States, representing Osun, with his first term concluding in September 2025.
