Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Joash Amupitan, has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) nationwide to intensify voter education and sensitisation following lessons from the just-concluded area council election in the Federal Capital Territory.
Amupitan gave the directive on Wednesday, February 25, during a meeting with RECs and the swearing-in of a new REC for Abia State.
He noted that although voter turnout in the FCT improved from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to about 15 per cent in 2026,with over 239,000 voters casting ballots compared to 148,685 previously, voter apathy remains a concern.
According to him, some voters still struggled to locate their polling units despite widespread publicity and text messages issued by the commission.
“Our policies may be sound. Our intentions may be noble. But if citizens do not understand our processes, then the objective is only half achieved,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged citizens to verify their polling unit details ahead of elections using the commission’s online polling unit locator and, where necessary, visit their polling units before election day.
Addressing controversies over alleged voter migration in the FCT, Amupitan insisted that no voter was moved in 2026.
He explained that the redistribution of about 6.7 million voters nationwide took place in 2022 under the commission’s polling unit expansion initiative.
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He stressed that voter awareness must be continuous rather than seasonal.
“I therefore direct all resident electoral commissioners to intensify voter education and sensitisation in your respective states.
Voter awareness must not be episodic. It must be continuous,” he said.
“As resident electoral commissioners, you are the commission in your states. The buck stops with you.”
On logistics, Amupitan expressed displeasure that only 45 per cent of polling units in the FCT opened by 8:30 a.m., although full coverage was achieved by 10:00 a.m.
“The initial delay is unacceptable. It fell short of our standards. It undermines public confidence. And it will not be tolerated,” he warned.
He disclosed that erring officials in Kuje and Kabusa had been queried, while a transporter in Kwali would be blacklisted.
While noting that the elections were largely peaceful, with over 93 per cent of results uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal by Sunday afternoon, Amupitan said there was no room for error as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, as well as the 2027 general election.