INEC Boss Presents Updated Voter Register to Ekiti Parties Ahead of Governorship Election

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, on Wednesday, presented the updated voter register for Ekiti State to political parties, with 1,059,660 voters registered to elect the next governor in the June 20, 2026, election. Amupitan, who assured the electorate that their votes in the election would count, also talked tough on vote-trading, saying it remained a criminal offence and that law enforcement and anti-graft agencies should ensure perpetrators are arrested and promptly prosecuted. The INEC boss spoke in Ado Ekiti during the readiness assessment towards the election and presentation of the voter register to political parties. Thirteen political parties are participating in the governorship election being held across the state on June 20. At the meeting attended by civil society organisations, media and staff of the electoral commission, leaders of the political parties received the voter register from the INEC chairman. Amupitan disclosed that the updated register had 1,059,660 voters, urging Ekiti people to come out to vote on election day. “The Electoral Act requires that 30 days before the election, the register of voters must be published and presented to the political parties. “This moment signifies a crucial step in reinforcing the integrity, the transparency, and credibility of our electoral process. “The voter register is the foundation upon which free, fair, and credible elections are built. Its accuracy, completeness and integrity are paramount to ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard and that the will of the people is accurately reflected. “Today, we stand here to present to you a comprehensive and meticulously compiled voter register prepared after a rigorous data collection, total verification, and diligent cleaning exercise. I want to assure you that your votes will count,” he said. Referencing the Anambra State election, which was the first conducted under his watch, Amupitan said the number of voters who turned out increased significantly, adding that because the election was peaceful, transparent, free and fair, there was no dispute about it. “It is the responsibility of INEC to conduct free, credible and transparent elections. “Well, let me say that INEC cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility. So for political parties, you have your role to play in these very important constitutional assignments. “While it is the responsibility of INEC to comply and perform its statutory duties under the constitution, including the conduct of elections, registration of voters, publications and presentations of the voter register, it is the responsibility of political parties to also mobilise the registered voters to come out and vote on the day of the election. “Our collective commitment to transparency, trust and adherence to democratic principles will determine the success of this election. • Oluyede woos Ekiti voters with development, welfare promises • APC primaries most competitive in history, says national chair • SDP crisis: Gabam faction dissolves NWC, expels Adebayo, 12 others “Let us work together in the spirit of fairness, integrity, and patriotism to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process in Ekiti State,” he said. Amupitan advised that the election must be conducted peacefully and that campaigns should focus on issues rather than personalities or nepotism. The INEC chairman described vote-buying or vote-trading as a major challenge and constraint to the country’s electoral process. “This (vote-buying) is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act, and it is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies, most especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the police to ensure that those involved are arrested and promptly prosecuted. “Therefore, we urge all political parties to please refrain from this issue of vote-trading because it is a big minus to the electoral process in Nigeria,” he said. Speaking earlier, the INEC National Commissioner (supervising Lagos, Ekiti and Oyo states), Sam Olumekun, said the presentation of the voter register to parties “reflects the commission’s commitment under the legal framework guiding its activities to produce a register that is accurate, credible, and inclusive.” Olumekun described the event as an opportunity for political parties, accredited observers and citizens of Ekiti State “to inspect, verify, and raise any further objections within the window provided by law. “I want to assure all stakeholders that INEC remains bound by the principles of neutrality, transparency and fidelity to all legal provisions and remains committed to ensuring the conduct of credible, free, fair and inclusive elections at all times. “No eligible voter has been disenfranchised, and no ineligible name will be allowed in the voter register. “The register we present today is the register we will use on 20th June, 2026,” Olumekun said. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, encouraged political parties to make effective and lawful use of the register in their preparations for the election. The REC, who said that the Ekiti INEC office had gone a long way in preparations for the June 20 election, added, “As we move closer to the election date, I wish to appeal to all political parties, candidates and their supporters to continue to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly. “The success of the election depends on our collective commitment to democratic values, peaceful engagement and strict compliance with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the commission. “Ekiti State is known for political maturity and democratic participation, and we must all work together to sustain that reputation before, during and after the election.”