The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Ekiti State that all arrangements have been concluded to deliver a credible, transparent and peaceful governorship election scheduled for June 20.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission was fully prepared technologically, logistically and operationally to conduct an election that would meet the highest standards of credibility.
According to him, a total of 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to participate in the election across the state’s 16 local government areas, 117 wards and 2,445 polling units.
Amupitan stressed that the commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as the sole means of voter accreditation, warning that no voter would be allowed to cast a ballot without a valid Permanent Voter Card.
“Our immutable legal standard is: No PVC, No Accreditation and No Voting. There will be no bypasses, and there will be no exceptions,” he said.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission had strengthened collaboration with security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to tackle electoral offences, particularly vote-buying and voter inducement.
He said the commission was working closely with the EFCC and ICPC to prevent financial influence around polling centres.
According to him, election officials and security personnel have received strict instructions to protect polling units from any form of electoral malpractice.
To enhance transparency, he said all polling unit results would be uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), allowing citizens, political parties and observers to monitor the process in real time.
The commission also pledged to ensure inclusivity during the exercise by deploying assistive technologies for persons living with disabilities.
Amupitan said Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses and other support materials would be available to ensure every eligible voter could participate without discrimination.
Security emerged as a major focus of the meeting as concerns continue to grow over election-related violence in parts of the country.
The INEC chairman revealed that the commission, through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, had identified potential flashpoints and developed strategies to prevent disruptions.
He warned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric and acts capable of undermining the electoral process.
“Security forces have been handed precise operational orders to deal decisively with any actor, regardless of status, who seeks to subvert the peace or test our collective resolve,” he said.
Amupitan further disclosed that INEC’s target was to ensure the simultaneous opening of all 2,445 polling units by 8:30 a.m. on election day, adding that transportation and logistics arrangements were already being finalised.
Addressing political parties and candidates, he reiterated the commission’s neutrality and commitment to upholding the law.
“We hold no preferred candidates and we answer to no political interest. Our solitary alignment is with the law and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He also challenged journalists covering the election to uphold professional ethics by reporting accurately and resisting partisan influence.
The stakeholders’ forum brought together governorship candidates, political party representatives, civil society organisations, election observers, media practitioners and senior INEC officials as preparations intensify for one of the most closely watched off-cycle elections in the country.
