We’re Resolved To Fight Rigging, Vote-buying – Amupitan

The chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has restated the determination of the umpire body to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying.

Amupitan stated this at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday while swearing-in a resident electoral commission, Professor Adeniran, Tella who had been deployed to Oyo State.

The INEC charged the Resident Electoral Commissioner to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in every action he takes.

“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 that genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people. This mission is not merely a regulatory obligation; it is a moral and legal duty we owe to every citizen.

“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. Your role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is absolutely critical to the success of this democratic project. I must be unequivocal and I admonish you that the integrity of our elections is non-negotiable.

“You must focus on transparency, strictly adhering to every guideline and every procedure laid out by the Commission and the Electoral Act.

“We also have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the electoral system is above reproach. Any misconduct, whether by omission or commission, shall not be accepted.

“Your primary goal must be to instill in the voters of your state the confidence that their choice truly counts. We are resolved to combat all forms of election rigging, including the menace of vote-buying. The eyes of the nation are upon us. The public trust placed in INEC is sacred.

“Go forth, Professor Tella, and work collaboratively with our staff to ensure your state is a beacon of hope and democratic values. Let us stand united to restore and uphold the integrity and credibility of our elections. It is how we go about this that will determine how we address voter apathy and other challenges that have bedeviled our electoral system,” he added.