“INEC DECLARES READINESS FOR EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL.”
Read Time:2 Minute, 45 Second
By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that it is fully ready for the Ekiti State governorship election slated for Saturday, June 20, 2026, stating that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a credible, transparent, and peaceful process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made this known on Monday during a press briefing on the Commission’s preparedness for the poll.
He assured voters and stakeholders that all key aspects of the election logistics and administration have been adequately addressed, adding that INEC has made “substantial progress” in line with its election timetable. He noted that the final voter register is being compiled and will soon be displayed for public verification as well as shared with political parties.
Omoseyindemi also disclosed that the schedule for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be released soon, urging eligible voters to collect theirs, while reiterating the principle of “no PVC, no voting.”
On election personnel, he said recruitment and screening of ad-hoc staff are ongoing, with training to follow immediately after completion. The training, he explained, will cover electoral procedures, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result management processes.
He added that procurement of election materials—both sensitive and non-sensitive—is on track, with secure storage and transportation arrangements already concluded in collaboration with security agencies.
Highlighting the role of technology, the REC confirmed that BVAS will be used for voter accreditation and authentication, while results will be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency.
On security, he said the Commission is working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure a peaceful exercise, warning political actors against violence and electoral misconduct.
He also identified potential risk factors in Ekiti State, including vote buying, political thuggery, logistical challenges in remote areas, misinformation, low voter turnout, and possible weather disruptions due to the rainy season.
To address vote buying, security operatives and anti-graft agencies will be deployed around polling units, while movement restrictions will be enforced on election day.
For security concerns, rapid response teams will be stationed in identified flashpoints such as Ado, Ikere, and Oye local government areas, alongside strict enforcement of the no-campaign rule on election day.
In hard-to-reach communities like Ilejemeje, Ise/Orun, and Moba, INEC plans early deployment of materials to registration centres, with motorcycles used for last-mile delivery and local support personnel engaged to ease access.
To counter misinformation, the Commission said it will deploy rapid response communication teams and work with media organisations to ensure timely and verified updates.
Omoseyindemi also noted that voter education has been intensified across the state, with special focus on women, youths, and persons with disabilities, supported by civil society organisations across all local government areas.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, citing provisions such as braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and priority voting for persons with disabilities, as well as measures to encourage gender participation.
He called on voters to participate peacefully, urged political parties to comply with electoral guidelines, and encouraged the media to continue promoting accurate information, reiterating that INEC remains committed to delivering a credible election that reflects the will of the people.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0