The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has vowed to strengthen efforts against election malpractice, warning that rigging and vote-buying will not be tolerated under his leadership.
Amupitan made the declaration in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of Professor Adeniran Tella as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, where he described credible elections as the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
The INEC chairman stressed that maintaining public confidence in the electoral process remains a major priority, adding that every official of the commission must uphold transparency and professionalism.
He warned that any action capable of damaging the credibility of elections would face serious consequences.
“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted,” he said.
Amupitan charged the newly sworn-in commissioner to work toward ensuring that voters believe their choices will count and that the electoral process remains fair.
He added that INEC would continue to fight against all forms of electoral malpractice, including vote-buying, which has remained a major concern during Nigerian 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,” he stated.
The INEC chairman also urged officials to strictly follow the provisions of the Electoral Act and protect the integrity of the commission.
Amupitan assumed leadership of INEC in October following the resignation of former chairman Mahmood Yakubu, who served for almost a decade.
