INEC DECLARES READINESS FOR EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL, TASKS PARTIES, MEDIA, TRADITIONAL RULERS ON PEACEFUL ELECTION
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its full operational, technological, and logistical readiness for the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for June 20, 2026, assuring stakeholders of a credible, transparent, and secure electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the declaration during the Ekiti State Governorship Election Stakeholders’ Forum held in Ado-Ekiti, where he outlined the Commission’s preparedness and charged political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and traditional rulers to play constructive roles in ensuring a peaceful election.
Amupitan disclosed that the Commission had finalised a verified voter register containing 1,059,360 registered voters, reflecting an increase from the 987,647 voters recorded in 2023 following the addition of 66,664 new registrants through the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
He noted that the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) successfully detected and removed 2,103 cases of double registration, further strengthening the credibility of the electoral roll.
According to the INEC chairman, voting will take place across 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, all expected to commence accreditation and voting simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. on election day.
Amupitan reaffirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be deployed in all polling units as the sole means of voter accreditation, while results from each polling unit would be uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for public access and verification.
“No PVC, No Accreditation, and No Voting. There will be no bypasses and no exceptions,” he stated.
The chairman also announced measures to promote inclusivity, including the deployment of Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses to assist persons with disabilities and persons with albinism during the election.
On security, Amupitan revealed that INEC, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), had conducted detailed risk assessments across the state and identified areas vulnerable to political violence, cult-related activities, ballot disruption, and kidnapping.
He said anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), would support efforts to curb vote-buying and electoral inducement.
“We shall defend the ballot box from physical violence and fiscal contamination alike,” he said.
The INEC chairman commended the 13 political parties participating in the election for signing a Peace Accord on May 21, 2026, but warned that the commitment must be reflected in the conduct of party leaders, agents, and supporters at all levels.
“An accord is only as valuable as the good faith of its signatories. The Peace Accord must not be treated as a ceremonial exercise but must be strictly observed across the state,” he added.
Amupitan further disclosed that 91 media organisations with 675 accredited journalists and 98 observer groups comprising domestic and international organisations had been approved to monitor the election.
He urged journalists to maintain professionalism, fairness, and accuracy in their reporting, while encouraging observer groups to remain neutral and adhere to electoral guidelines.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, confirmed that preparations had reached an advanced stage, with non-sensitive materials already received and arrangements underway for the deployment of sensitive materials and election personnel.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Michael Falade, assured stakeholders that security agencies would remain impartial and provide adequate protection for voters, electoral officials, and candidates throughout the exercise.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State, Hon. Adeniji Akinropo Philip, called on political parties to conduct their campaigns and election activities peacefully while urging INEC to maintain a level playing field for all contestants.
Earlier, Amupitan met with members of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, where he appealed to royal fathers to mobilise communities for peaceful participation in the election and encourage residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote early on election day.
He also urged traditional rulers to use their influence to discourage vote-buying and promote adherence to the Peace Accord across their domains.
“The Fountain of Knowledge must lead the nation in demonstrating that electoral choices cannot be purchased,” the INEC chairman told the monarchs.
Amupitan assured stakeholders that the Commission remained impartial and committed solely to upholding the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the democratic will of the people of Ekiti State.
The election is expected to be one of the most closely monitored governorship contests in the country, with INEC expressing confidence in its preparations and stakeholders pledging support for a peaceful and credible process.
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