By David Lawani, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Wednesday warned politicians and voters against vote buying ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, directing security agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders.
Speaking during the presentation of the updated voters’ register to political parties in Ado-Ekiti, Amupitan described vote-buying and vote-trading as serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral credibility.
“Vote buying and vote trading remain one of the major challenges confronting our electoral process. It is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act,” he said.
The INEC chairman specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts against electoral corruption before and during the poll.
He disclosed that 1,059,660 eligible voters would participate in the election, representing an increase of about 66,000 newly registered voters compared to the 2023 register.
According to him, the updated register followed a rigorous verification and data-cleaning process conducted during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in line with the Electoral Act.
Amupitan said the publication and presentation of the register to political parties was aimed at ensuring transparency and strengthening confidence in the electoral process.
“The voters’ register is the foundation upon which free, fair and credible elections are built. Its accuracy and integrity are essential to ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard,” he stated.
He urged political parties to scrutinise the register carefully and report any discrepancies within the legal timeframe provided by the commission.
“It is the responsibility of INEC to conduct free, fair and transparent elections, but INEC cannot do it alone. Political parties also have a duty to mobilise voters peacefully and responsibly,” he added.
The INEC chairman assured Ekiti residents that their votes would count, citing improvements recorded in recent elections, including the Anambra governorship poll where electronic transmission enhanced transparency.
He also announced plans for political parties to sign a peace accord ahead of the election.
“Campaigns must be based on issues and not personalities. Let us not just sign the peace accord; let us also walk the talk,” Amupitan said.
Also speaking, National Commissioner supervising Ekiti State, Sam Olumekun, said the presentation of the register reflected the commission’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.
“Transparency at this stage strengthens public confidence in the outcome of the election,” Olumekun said.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, declared that the commission was fully prepared for the governorship election and urged political parties and supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the poll.
