The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it is fully prepared to conduct a credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in Ekiti State scheduled for June 20, with plans to transmit results electronically to improve transparency.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, gave the assurance on Monday during a press briefing in Ado Ekiti, noting that preparations were progressing steadily in line with the commission’s timetable and activity schedule.
“The Commission has made substantial progress in its preparations, guided by our strategic election timetable and schedule of activities.
We remain committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent election in Ekiti State,” he said.
He encouraged eligible voters to come out peacefully on election day and exercise their civic rights.
According to him, 13 political parties will be participating in the governorship poll.
Omoseyindemi explained that the commission would use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter verification and authentication, while results would be uploaded electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to ensure openness in the process.
“The Commission will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System for voter accreditation and authentication.
Election results will be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency,” he added.
He also said INEC is collaborating with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to guarantee a peaceful election.
“Adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process,” he said, urging political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly.
The REC added that the commission would continue engaging political parties, traditional rulers, civil society groups and the media, while also strengthening voter education efforts, particularly targeting women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
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“We have deployed Civil Society Organisations to all local government areas to intensify voter education in order to encourage more people to participate in the electoral process.
“We should know that participatory democracy is essential for sustainable development. INEC has made provisions for PWD-friendly voting, including magnifying glasses, braille ballot guides and priority voting. Gender inclusivity remains a key priority in our electoral process,” he said.
He disclosed that recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff were ongoing, with training to commence immediately after completion.
“This is to ensure that all personnel are adequately equipped with knowledge of electoral procedures, including the use of BVAS and result management protocols,” he said.
Omoseyindemi further noted that procurement of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials was on track, with arrangements in place for secure transportation and storage.
“We are working closely with security agencies to guarantee the safe delivery of materials to all polling units,” he added.
He said the final voters’ register was being compiled and would soon be made available for public inspection and shared with political parties.
He also urged registered voters who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so once the collection dates are announced, stressing that “No PVC, no voting,” he said.
Omoseyindemi added that INEC had carried out a risk assessment with security agencies and other stakeholders, identifying potential threats and outlining mitigation measures.
He said these include efforts to curb vote buying and undue influence through security deployment around polling units and collaboration with anti-corruption agencies.
He also highlighted the use of rapid response teams, identification of flashpoints, and pre-deployment of security personnel to address possible violence, especially in politically sensitive local government areas such as Ado, Ikere and Oye.
To reduce voter apathy, particularly among young people, he said the commission would “intensify voter education across markets, schools and religious centres, alongside engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders.”