…As security bars Sowore from entering INEC Hqtrs
By Mercy Peter
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), Tuesday reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment under his watch to transparent and credible elections.
Amupitan gave the reassurance at the swearing of Professor Adeniran Tella as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tella is the new Oyo State REC.
Amupitan described the swearing-in as a “solemn occasion” and a renewed call to service, stressing that the role of a REC remains central to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The INEC Chairman declared that his administration began with a clear mandate: “to deliver elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive.”
He emphasized that the responsibility goes beyond procedure, stating that it is both a moral and legal obligation owed to the Nigerian people.
“The credibility of our electoral system is the very foundation upon which our democracy stands. Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” Amupitan said.
He charged Professor Tella to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and transparency, warning that any misconduct—whether by omission or commission would not be accepted.
Amupitan also stressed that the primary duty of every REC is to ensure that citizens have confidence in the electoral process and believe that their votes truly count.
He reiterated INEC’s resolve to tackle election malpractice, particularly vote-buying, which he described as a major threat to democracy.
“The public trust placed in INEC is sacred. The eyes of the nation are upon us,” he declared.
The Commission’s Chairman noted that restoring credibility to the electoral process is crucial to addressing voter apathy and other long-standing challenges.
He called for collaborative efforts between the new REC and INEC staff to ensure that the state under Tella’s supervision becomes a “beacon of hope and democratic values.”
He therefore charged the new REC to “Go forth and put in your best.”
Meanwhile, Security at the INEC headquarters refused Omoleye Sowore entrance.
Sowore’s business at the Commission was not however known, as he was turned back by the security at the gate.
The Presidential candidate of AA in the 2023 General election was accompanied by two of his aides, a man and a young lady, who is said to be his personal aide.
Sowore wondered why he should be denied entrance at the INEC gate, been a public building.
Sowore queried the security personnel comprising of the DSS and Police for denying him entrance.
He demanded to know who gave them such an instruction to deny him entry.
While his male compannion, a male could be heard shouting “What is the meaning of this. What kind of rubbish is that. This is embarrassing. You will arrest us today.
“Just open the gate and let us enter.”
