The Independent National Electoral Commission has disclosed that no fewer than 1,059,660 registered voters will participate in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known in Ado Ekiti during the presentation and publication of the voter register to political parties ahead of the off-cycle election.
According to him, the figure represents an increase of about 66,000 voters compared to the 2023 register, which recorded about 900,000 registered voters in the state.
Amupitan explained that the increase followed the Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted before its suspension in line with the Electoral Act.
He said over 68,000 fresh registrations were initially recorded, but more than 2,000 entries were later removed after the commission discovered cases of double registration during data verification and cleaning.
“The voters register is the foundation upon which free, fair and credible elections are built. Its accuracy, completeness and integrity are paramount to ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard,” he said.
The INEC chairman assured political parties and residents that the commission would conduct a credible, transparent and peaceful governorship election, insisting that votes would count.
He also warned against vote buying, describing it as a criminal offence capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Amupitan urged security agencies, including the police, EFCC and ICPC, to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote trading.
He further cautioned INEC officials against manipulation of election results and other illegal practices, warning that offenders would face sanctions.
According to him, the Ekiti governorship election will serve as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said preparations for the election had intensified through engagements with security agencies, political parties, traditional institutions and civil society organisations.
He added that arrangements for logistics, transportation and deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System were ongoing to ensure a smooth electoral process.
INEC also disclosed that political parties and candidates are expected to sign a peace accord ahead of the election.
