INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to intensifying the fight against election rigging, especially vote-buying.
Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made the pledge on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, in Abuja during the swearing-in of Prof. Adeniran Tella as a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
Describing the ceremony as “a solemn occasion and a call to duty,” the INEC chairman stressed the weight of the responsibility placed on every REC.
“This is a profound responsibility, placing you at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he said.
Amupitan reiterated that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections remains non-negotiable. “The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands,” he noted, adding that Tella’s role would be critical to strengthening public trust in the process.
He warned that INEC would not tolerate any compromise on its values or procedures. “You must uphold transparency and strictly follow every guideline and provision of the Electoral Act. Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted.”
The chairman urged Tella to ensure that voters in his state have confidence that their votes 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, and the trust placed in INEC is sacred,” he said.
Prof. Amupitan assumed leadership of the Commission in October following the resignation of Mahmood Yakubu, who led INEC for nearly ten years.
