From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote buying and vote trading during the election.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Prof.
Amupitan made the call on Wednesday while presenting the register of voters to political parties in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship poll.
The INEC Chairman described vote buying as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing that offenders must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
According to him, about 1,059,660 eligible voters are expected to participate in the election. He urged political parties to carefully scrutinise the voters’ register and report any discrepancies within the timeframe allowed by law.
“I also want to reiterate that one of the major challenges facing our electoral process is the issue of vote buying or vote trading.
“This is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, especially the EFCC, ICPC, and the police, to ensure that those involved are arrested and promptly prosecuted,” he said.
He urged political parties to refrain from engaging in vote trading, describing it as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral credibility.
Prof. Amupitan described the presentation of the voters’ register as a constitutional and statutory responsibility aimed at strengthening the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the electoral process.
“The Electoral Act requires that 30 days before the election, the register of voters must be published and presented to political parties. This moment signifies a crucial step in reinforcing the integrity, transparency, and credibility of our electoral process,” he stated.
He explained that the voters’ register was compiled through a rigorous process involving data collection, verification, and continuous voter registration exercises conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The INEC Chairman disclosed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State increased from about 900,000 recorded during the 2023 elections to 1,059,660 following the continuous voter registration exercise, representing an increase of about 66,000 new voters.
He assured stakeholders that the Commission remained committed to conducting free, fair, credible, and transparent elections, while stressing that political parties also have a responsibility to mobilise voters peacefully.
Prof. Amupitan further assured voters that their votes would count, citing the successful conduct of recent elections in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory as examples of improved electoral processes and timely transmission of results.
He also announced that political parties would sign a peace accord ahead of the election, urging them to focus campaigns on issues rather than personalities.
“Our collective commitment to transparency, trust, and adherence to democratic principles will determine the success of this election. Let us work together to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process,” he added.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner supervising Ekiti State, Sam Olumekun, said the presentation of the register reflected the Commission’s commitment to producing an accurate, credible, and inclusive voters’ register.
Olumekun noted that the exercise provided an opportunity for political parties, observers, and citizens to inspect and verify the register within the legal window provided.
He assured stakeholders that INEC remained committed to neutrality, transparency, and strict compliance with electoral laws.
“No eligible voter has been disenfranchised and no ineligible name will be allowed on the voters’ register,” he said, while urging political parties to maintain peace as the election approaches.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, also stated that the state was fully prepared for the governorship election.
