By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The newly re-appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Oyo State, Professor Adeniran Tella, has reassured Nigerians and the people of Oyo state in particular that he will implement measures that will ensure that transparency and fairness are the guiding principles for the integrity of the electoral process during his term.
Speaking shortly after, he was administered the Oath of Office by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),
at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Tella said that the integrity of elections will be protected.
He also expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and acknowledged the transformation underway at INEC, pointing out that his experience in public administration and election logistics has prepared him for the task ahead.
Tella pledged to strengthen security coordination, uphold fairness, and enforce full compliance with electoral laws.
He outlined his priorities, including stakeholder education, improved logistics, continuous voter registration, enhanced monitoring of election personnel and a robust result-management system anchored on real-time transmission and public display of results.
He also called for pre-election technical audits, reinforced back-up systems and stronger cyber-security to safeguard critical election infrastructure.
Earlier, in his address, the INEC Chairman, described the occasion as a solemn call to duty, noting that the new REC is stepping into a role that places him at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Amupitan restated his mandate as Chairman: to deliver elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive.
He reminded the newly sworn-in REC that INEC’s credibility is the lifeblood of Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that Tella’s role is central to protecting the integrity of the electoral system even as he warned that the Commission would not condone any act capable of undermining public confidence.
He urged the REC to focus on strict adherence to guidelines, transparency and professionalism, adding that any form of misconduct would be unacceptable. He also charged him to inspire voter confidence in the electoral process and intensify the fight against rigging and vote-buying.
Amupitan however said the Commission’s commitment to restoring integrity remains firm. He called on the new REC to work with staff, sustain reforms and help rebuild trust in the electoral system at a time when voter apathy continues to pose a major challenge.
He noted that the introduction of BVAS and IReV was “a game changer” that contributed to the success of the last polls.
