INEC Chairman Confirms Votes Will Be Counted Ahead of Ekiti Polls

Prof. Josh Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reassured voters in Ekiti State that every valid ballot in the forthcoming governorship election will be counted.

Amupitan made the statement during a visit to Ekiti State with national commissioners ahead of the June 20 governorship vote. He also handed the voter register to political parties at the event.

He described the occasion as “unique and important” for the commission, noting that it is uncommon for Ekiti to host the INEC chairman together with almost all national commissioners for the presentation of the voter register.

Amupitan explained that the law mandates the release of the register before the election. “The Electoral Act requires that 30 days before the election, the register of voters must be published and presented to political parties,” he said.

The chairman reported that seven of the nine major activities in the election timetable have already been completed, and that official campaign activities will cease on June 18.

He emphasized that the voter register is the foundation for free, fair, and credible elections, noting that it was prepared after rigorous data collection, thorough verification, and meticulous cleaning exercises.

Amupitan said the number of registered voters in Ekiti rose significantly following the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. “We had about 900,000 registered voters in Ekiti State, but as a result of the Continuous Voter Registration, the number has increased to about 1,059,360,” he said.

He called on political parties and citizens to cooperate to ensure credible elections. “We would like to have a credible and reliable register. It is the responsibility of INEC to conduct free, credible and transparent elections, but INEC cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility,” he added.

Addressing residents, he reiterated that their votes would count. “I want to assure you that your vote will count,” he said.

Amupitan also warned against vote buying and vote trading, describing both as serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy. “This is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act,” he said, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Police to arrest and prosecute offenders.

In his remarks, Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to remain peaceful during the election period. “We encourage political parties in the state to make effective use and lawful use of the register in their preparation for the election,” he said.