The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has vowed that the commission under his leadership will take stronger measures to tackle election rigging, vote-buying and other practices capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process, Peak Newspaper reports.
Amupitan made the commitment during the swearing-in ceremony of Professor Adeniran Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State, where he described the responsibility of conducting elections as a sacred duty that requires transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to electoral laws.
The INEC chairman said the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system remains the foundation of democracy, stressing that the commission would not tolerate any compromise that threatens the integrity of elections.
“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.
He warned INEC officials against compromising the commission’s procedures, adding that any misconduct, whether through action or negligence, would not be accepted.
Amupitan further charged the newly sworn-in REC to uphold transparency, follow the Electoral Act and ensure that voters in Oyo State have confidence that their choices at the polls will count.
The INEC chairman has repeatedly stated that the commission’s goal is to deliver free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, with emphasis on improving public trust, election security and compliance with electoral guidelines.
The development comes as Nigeria prepares for another election cycle, with stakeholders continuing to demand reforms that will strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and ensure that votes accurately reflect the will of citizens.
