The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, recently presided over a swearing-in ceremony that some are calling a mere formality. Prof. Rahmon Tella has officially taken on the role of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State,an event staged at the commission’s headquarters that seems more about optics than genuine reform in Nigeria's electoral landscape.

Amupitan, in what can only be described as a grandiose speech, stressed the supposed importance of discipline, integrity, and punctuality within INEC. But is this really a priority for the commission, or just a performance to appease critics? He characterized the REC role as one laden with “immense trust and responsibility,” which sounds impressive on paper but raises eyebrows when considering the history of electoral mishaps in Nigeria.

As the oath was administered, Amupitan waxed poetic about the solemnity of the occasion, declaring, “An occasion of an oath-taking is a solemn occasion. It is an occasion that calls to duty.” However, one must wonder if this rhetoric translates into action when the elections roll around. He did reiterate that maintaining electoral integrity is “not negotiable,” but how many times have we heard similar empty promises from officials in the past?

The chairman emphatically warned Tella that any compromise on values would not be tolerated, as if this stern warning alone would magically erase years of electoral fraud and misconduct. He called on Tella to ensure voters in Oyo State trust that their votes will be counted accurately, a tall order given the state of Nigeria's electoral credibility.

In a display of feigned humility, Tella responded with gratitude, praising Amupitan's remarks as “brimming with value and experience.” But let’s not forget, Tella has had his own share of experiences as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti states. Will a mere change in title herald a new era of transparency, or will it be just another chapter in Nigeria's long history of electoral drama?

Prof. Rahmon Tella, who serves as Deputy Dean at Atiba University, now finds himself at a pivotal moment. His first term as REC is set to run until September 2025, but the real question remains: will he rise to the occasion or fall victim to the same pitfalls that have plagued his predecessors?

This appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is gearing up for future elections, and the need for integrity and professionalism has never been more critical. Yet, one cannot help but feel skeptical about whether the INEC chairman’s lofty words will truly translate into action, or if they are simply another performative show to placate an increasingly skeptical public.