AS political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has vowed to stamp out all forms of electoral manipulation, including vote-buying and rigging, insisting that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections is “non-negotiable.”
News Point Nigeria reports that Amupitan made the declaration on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Prof. Adeniran Tella as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State. The ceremony, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral administration across the federation.
In his address, Amupitan said the commission is entering a defining phase in the country’s democratic journey, and warned that any attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process would not be tolerated.
“This is a solemn occasion—an occasion of call to duty,” he said. “The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands.”
The INEC boss, appointed in October, said the commission is determined to combat rigging, ballot manipulation, and vote-buying tactics that have long plagued Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying,” he declared. “The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred.”
Amupitan gave Tella a stern charge to uphold strict adherence to the Electoral Act, guidelines, and ethical standards.
“Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” he warned. “Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted.”
He urged the new REC to ensure that every voter in Oyo State feels confident that their ballot will count in 2027.
“Your primary responsibility must be to instill in the voters the confidence that their choice truly counts,” he said.
Responding, Prof. Tella expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to align fully with INEC’s vision of a transparent and credible electoral process.
“The Honourable Chairman’s remarks are rich with value and experience,” he said. “I am committed to contributing to the commission’s objectives and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.”
Tella, a Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, currently serves as Deputy Dean of the 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 concluding in September 20