INEC Chair Amupitan Pledges Tougher Action Against Election Rigging

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has reiterated the commission’s commitment to clamp down on election rigging and vote-buying ahead of future polls.

He made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of Prof. Adeniran Tella as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

Amupitan described the event as a solemn assignment and a renewed call to service, urging the new REC to uphold INEC’s values of transparency, professionalism and strict obedience to the Electoral Act. He emphasized that credibility remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and must not be compromised at any level.

> “The credibility of our electoral system is the foundation of our democracy,”
he said.
“Any compromise on our values or procedures will not be tolerated.”

He stressed that integrity of elections is non-negotiable and warned that the commission will not accept any form of misconduct, whether deliberate or otherwise. He added that INEC has both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure elections are beyond reproach.

Amupitan assured that the commission is fully committed to eliminating malpractices, including vote-buying, noting that public confidence in INEC must be protected.

Prof. Tella has been assigned to Oyo State, where he is expected to assume duties immediately.

In his response, Tella expressed appreciation for the swift conduct of the inauguration and pledged to maintain transparency, fairness and professionalism. He said his mission was in line with INEC’s ongoing transformation and global standards in election management.