Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has made a strong public commitment to eliminating election rigging and vote-buying ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is non-negotiable and urging Nigerians to have faith in the commission’s resolve.

Amupitan made the declaration during the swearing-in of Prof. Adeniran Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja. Describing the occasion as “a solemn; an occasion of call to duty,” the INEC chairman used the event to restate the overarching mandate he set for himself upon assuming office in October 2025 to deliver elections that genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

“My tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission began with a clear and unwavering mandate: to deliver free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections,” he said. “This mission is not merely a regulatory obligation; it is a moral and legal duty we owe to every citizen.”

Amupitan was unequivocal about the commission’s stance on electoral fraud, declaring that INEC would tolerate no misconduct from its officials or those of political parties.

“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. I must be unequivocal the integrity of our elections is non-negotiable,” he said. He warned that any compromise on INEC’s values or established procedures whether by omission or by deliberate action would attract consequences. Tella was charged to maintain strict transparency and full adherence to the Electoral Act in every aspect of his work in Oyo State, a state regarded as one of Nigeria’s most politically competitive.

On vote-buying specifically, the INEC chairman called on law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to take a more aggressive approach. He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that those caught buying votes are arrested and prosecuted. “Vote buyers must be arrested and prosecuted it’s a criminal offence under the Electoral Act,” he stated, insisting it was the responsibility of security and anti-corruption agencies to enforce the law without fear or favour.

However, Amupitan’s assurances have not gone without scrutiny. His tenure has already drawn controversy following the conduct of recent off-cycle elections, including the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, which was marred by allegations of irregularities, violence, and ballot box snatching. Several civil society groups and religious leaders have called on him to step aside, with the Movement for Credible Elections demanding an independent investigation into his conduct and questioning whether INEC under his leadership is genuinely impartial ahead of 2027. Despite the criticism, Amupitan has denied the allegations, insisting the commission remains committed to the democratic ideals it has publicly espoused.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer and political tensions rising across the country, Amupitan’s pledges will face their most significant test yet. The credibility of the exercise and the commission’s willingness to back its words with action will likely define his legacy as INEC chairman.