The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has declared an uncompromising stance against electoral malpractice, vowing to stamp out rigging and vote-buying as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the remarks on Tuesday while swearing in Prof. Rahmon Tella as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State at INEC headquarters. He described the oath-taking as “a profound call to duty” and stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections is “non-negotiable.”

“We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying,” Amupitan said. “Any compromise on our values or procedures — whether by omission or commission — shall not be tolerated. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred.”

Tella, a professor of strategic management and public policy, pledged full alignment with INEC’s renewed focus on transparency and professionalism. He praised Amupitan’s leadership as “guidance brimming with value and experience.” Tella returns to Oyo after previous tenures in both Oyo and Ekiti states, with his redeployment aimed at strengthening electoral operations in the southwest.

The event marked one of Amupitan’s first major public statements since assuming office in October. His tough rhetoric comes amid persistent criticism from civil society and opposition parties over vote-buying and result manipulation in recent off-cycle polls. While INEC has introduced reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result transmission, observers continue to demand stronger enforcement and prosecution of offenders.

Although no new anti-rigging tools were announced at the ceremony, Amupitan’s tone signaled intent to restore public confidence in the commission well ahead of the 2027 elections.