The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, has declared a firm stance against all forms of electoral malpractice, promising to intensify efforts to combat election rigging and the menace of vote-buying.
A Solemn Swearing-In and a Call to Duty
The pledge was made in Abuja on November 25, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of Prof Adeniran Tella as a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). Describing the event as a solemn occasion, the INEC Chairman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), tasked the new REC with upholding the commission's core values of transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act.
Prof Amupitan stated that his tenure began with a clear mandate to deliver free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections that genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people. He emphasised that the credibility of the electoral system is the very foundation of the nation's democracy.
Non-Negotiable Electoral Integrity
The INEC boss issued a strong warning, stating that the commission would not tolerate any compromise on established electoral procedures or ethical standards. He insisted that the integrity of elections remains non-negotiable and that any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, would be unacceptable.
"The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. Your role as REC is absolutely critical to the success of this democratic project," Amupitan told the newly sworn-in official.
He further charged Prof Tella to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in every action, focusing on transparency and strict adherence to every guideline and procedure laid out by the commission and the Electoral Act.
A Moral and Legal Obligation
Reinforcing the commission's resolve, the Chairman highlighted INEC's moral and legal duty to ensure the electoral system is above reproach. "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," he asserted.
Following the ceremony, it was announced that Prof Adeniran Tella has been posted to Oyo State and is expected to resume his duties immediately.
In his response, the new REC expressed his appreciation for the orderly swearing-in process. He described the direction of the commission as one marked by total transformation, aligning with global best practices in election administration. Drawing from his background in public administration, Prof Tella pledged to uphold professionalism, fairness, and transparency in all electoral operations under his watch.
