The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday swore in Prof. Rahmon Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State.
The event, held at the commission’s headquarters, marked Tella’s redeployment to Oyo State and, according to INEC, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral administration across the country.
In a statement posted on its X handle, INEC said the ceremony was conducted with “solemnity and purpose,” in line with Amupitan’s drive to entrench discipline, integrity, and punctuality within the commission.
Administering the oath, Amupitan said, “An occasion of an oath-taking is a solemn occasion. It is an occasion that calls to duty,” adding that the role of a Resident Electoral Commissioner carries significant trust and responsibility.
He reiterated his stance on electoral integrity, noting that the commission’s mission “transcends regulatory duty” and represents a “moral and legal duty” to Nigerians.
“I admonish you that the integrity of our election is not negotiable. You must uphold the highest standard of professionalism and integrity in every action you take… Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” he said.
The INEC chairman also charged Tella to ensure that voters in Oyo State have full confidence that their ballots will count, urging him to serve as “a beacon of hope and democratic values.”
Responding, Tella expressed appreciation for the chairman’s guidance, saying, “The honourable chairman’s remarks are very much brimming with value and experience,” and pledged to align his work with the commission’s vision.
A Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, Tella currently serves as the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo.
He had previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti states, representing Osun. His first term ended in September 2025, according to INEC records.
INEC chairman swears in new Oyo REC, warns against compromise
