By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sworn in Professor Adeniran Tella as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), with a firm warning from the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, that no breach of rules, values or procedures will be tolerated under his leadership.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja and attended by National Commissioners, directors and members of the INEC Press Corps, marked the formal return of Prof Tella to Oyo State, where he previously served before his reappointment.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Amupitan described the swearing-in as “a solemn call to duty” and reminded the new REC that he is assuming a role that places him “at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic process.” He reiterated his own mandate as Chairman to oversee elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
“INEC’s credibility is the lifeblood of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “Your role as REC is central to protecting the integrity of the electoral system. We will not condone any act capable of undermining public confidence in this Commission.”
He urged Professor Tella to ensure strict adherence to guidelines and uphold transparency, professionalism and accountability in the conduct of elections. He also charged him to intensify efforts toward boosting voter confidence, combating vote-buying and sustaining the Commission’s reform agenda.
“At a time when voter apathy poses a major national challenge, your duty is not merely administrative, it is a service to democracy itself,” Amupitan added.
Responding after taking his oath, Prof Tella expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and acknowledged the ongoing transformation within the Commission. He said his background in public administration and election logistics has adequately prepared him for the responsibilities ahead.
“I am committed to strengthening security coordination, upholding fairness and enforcing full compliance with electoral laws,” he said. He outlined his priorities, which include stakeholder education, improved logistics, enhanced monitoring of personnel, continuous voter registration and a robust result-management system anchored on real-time transmission and public display of results.
He also emphasised the need for pre-election technical audits, reinforced back-up systems and stronger cybersecurity to safeguard critical election infrastructure.
According to him, his approach to public engagement will be guided by Nigeria’s social and cultural realities, placing citizens “at the centre of every electoral activity.”
Prof Tella thanked the Chairman, National Commissioners and staff of the Commission for their support and assured them of his readiness to deliver credible elections in Oyo State.
“With the support of the Commission and the cooperation of stakeholders, we will strengthen trust and ensure that the votes of the people count,” he said.
