INEC Chairman Swears In Rahmon Tella as New Oyo REC

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Prof. Rahmon Tella as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State.

The ceremony, held at INEC headquarters, formalizes Tella’s redeployment to Oyo and aligns with the commission’s wider reforms aimed at strengthening electoral administration nationwide.

In a statement released on its X handle, INEC described the oath-taking as one conducted with “solemnity and purpose,” consistent with Amupitan’s push for greater discipline, integrity, and punctuality within the commission.

Speaking during the event, Amupitan emphasized the weight of responsibility that comes with the REC position.

“An occasion of an oath-taking is a solemn occasion. It is an occasion that calls to duty,” he said, stressing that electoral integrity remains non-negotiable. He added that the commission’s mandate goes beyond regulation, noting that it embodies a “moral and legal duty” to the Nigerian people.

“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,” the INEC Chairman warned.

He also urged Tella to ensure that voters in Oyo State retain full confidence that their votes will count, describing the new REC as a key figure expected to serve as “a beacon of hope and democratic values.”

In his response, Tella expressed gratitude for the chairman’s charge, describing the remarks as “brimming with value and experience,” and vowed to align his work with the commission’s vision.

Prof. Tella, a scholar of Strategic Management and Public Policy, currently serves as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo. He previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti States, representing Osun, with his first term concluding in September 2025.