Ekiti 2026: INEC chair promises credible poll, adequate security

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State, has assured the public of a credible and secure governorship election scheduled for June. Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during a stakeholder engagement, Amupitan stated that INEC is fully prepared logistically, technologically, and operationally to deliver an election that will set a benchmark for credibility.

“

INEC is logistically, technologically and operationally prepared to deliver an election that will stand as an unassailable benchmark of credibility.

Amupitan highlighted the importance of the voter register's integrity, noting that 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across the state's 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units. He stressed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be the exclusive method for voter authentication and accreditation, enforcing a strict "No PVC, No Accreditation" and "No Voting" policy with no exceptions.

To combat electoral malpractice, INEC is partnering with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to deter vote trading. Personnel deployed to the 2,445 polling units will be instructed to ensure the immediate vicinity remains insulated from "vote-buying and financial inducement." The commission aims to "defend the ballot box from physical violence and fiscal contamination alike."

“

A credible election is built upon the integrity of its voter register.

Transparency will be enhanced through the direct upload of all polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal. Furthermore, the commission is prioritizing inclusivity by deploying assistive technologies, such as Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, for persons with disabilities. Amupitan emphasized that "Equity is not an afterthought; it is a necessity."

“

Our immutable legal standard is: ‘No PVC, No Accreditation’ and No Voting. There will be no bypasses, and there will be no exceptions.

Addressing potential security concerns, Amupitan stated that INEC, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, has identified and mapped vulnerabilities, including risks related to political thuggery and ballot disruption. Security forces have received clear operational orders to deal decisively with anyone attempting to subvert the peace or challenge the commission's resolve. The goal is the simultaneous activation of all polling units at 8:30 a.m. on Election Day.

“

We shall defend the ballot box from physical violence and fiscal contamination alike.