Juliet Ezeh
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote buying or vote trading ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Speaking on Wednesday during the presentation of the voters’ register to political parties in Ekiti State, Amupitan described vote buying as one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that offenders must face the full weight of the law.
According to him, agencies including the police, the EFCC and the ICPC have a constitutional responsibility to clamp down on electoral offenders and ensure prompt prosecution.
“I want to reiterate that one of the major challenges and constraints of our electoral process is the issue of vote buying or vote trading. This is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act and those involved must be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The INEC chairman disclosed that 1,059,660 eligible voters are expected to participate in the forthcoming governorship election, representing an increase of about 66,000 newly registered voters compared to the 2023 figure of about 900,000 registered voters.
He explained that the updated register was compiled after rigorous verification and continuous voter registration exercises conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Describing the voter register as the foundation of credible elections, Amupitan urged political parties and stakeholders to thoroughly scrutinise the register and report any discrepancies within the legal timeframe.
“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.
The INEC chairman also assured voters that their votes would count, citing improvements recorded in recent elections, including the speedy transmission of results during the last governorship election in Anambra State and elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged political parties to mobilise voters peacefully and focus campaigns on issues rather than personal attacks, ahead of the signing of a peace accord scheduled for Thursday.
“Our collective commitment to transparency, trust and democratic principles will determine the success of this election. Let us work together to ensure a peaceful and credible process,” he added.
Also speaking, National Commissioner supervising Ekiti State, Sam Olumekun, said the presentation of the register demonstrates INEC’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness.
He noted that the publication of the register provides an opportunity for political parties, observers and residents to inspect and verify voters’ details before election day.
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, assured stakeholders that the state was fully prepared for the governorship poll.
