Amupitan Pledges to End Vote-Buying, Strengthen Credible Elections Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has vowed to clamp down on all forms of election malpractice, including vote-buying, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.

Amupitan made the declaration on Tuesday while swearing in Professor Adeniran Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State. The ceremony, held at INEC headquarters, coincided with Tella’s redeployment to Oyo as part of the commission’s efforts to bolster electoral administration nationwide.

Describing the occasion as a “solemn call to duty,” Amupitan emphasised the critical role of RECs in safeguarding the nation’s democratic process.

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

Amupitan urged Tella to ensure transparency and strict adherence to every guideline and provision of the Electoral Act. He added, “Your primary responsibility is to instill confidence in voters that their votes truly count. The eyes of the nation are upon us, and the public trust placed in INEC is sacred.”

In response, Tella pledged to align his office’s operations with the commission’s vision. A Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, Tella currently serves as Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences, Atiba University, Oyo. He previously held REC positions in Oyo and Ekiti states.

The INEC leadership’s renewed focus on electoral integrity comes amid rising public demand for free, fair, and credible elections across the country.