The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in vote buying during the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday during the presentation of the voter register to political parties, Amupitan described vote buying and vote trading as major threats to Nigeria’s electoral system.
He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the police to ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted promptly.
According to him, vote trading remains a criminal offence under the Electoral Act and undermines democratic credibility. He warned political parties against engaging in the practice, stressing that INEC would continue collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen democracy in the country.
Over 1.05 Million Registered Voters
The INEC chairman disclosed that 1,059,360 eligible voters had been registered for the Ekiti governorship election, compared to about 900,000 voters recorded during the 2023 general election.
He explained that the increase followed the first and second phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Amupitan noted that the voter register was published in compliance with Section 9 of the Electoral Act, which mandates INEC to make the register available to political parties at least 30 days before an election.
He described the voter register as the foundation of credible elections, adding that the commission carried out extensive data collection, verification, and reconciliation exercises to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Parties Asked to Scrutinise Register
The INEC chairman urged political parties and other stakeholders to carefully examine the register and report any discrepancies within the legally stipulated period.
He maintained that conducting free, fair, and transparent elections was a collective responsibility, noting that political parties also have a role in mobilising voters for election day participation.
Amupitan referenced the 2022 governorship election in Anambra State as an example of peaceful and transparent electoral conduct that reduced disputes and improved result transmission.
He also announced that political parties would sign a peace accord on Thursday and urged them to focus campaigns on issues while respecting the agreements reached.
INEC Assures Transparency, Readiness
National Commissioner supervising the Ekiti governorship election, Sam Olumekun, said the presentation of the register demonstrated INEC’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.
Olumekun assured stakeholders that no eligible voter had been disenfranchised and that the commission remained committed to neutrality and compliance with electoral laws.
Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, declared that the state was fully prepared for the election.
INEC officials expressed optimism that the June 20 governorship poll would remain peaceful, citing Ekiti’s record of announcing election results without major disputes.