By Abiodun Folarin
Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote buying and vote trading, describing the practice as a major threat to Nigeria’s electoral process.
Amupitan gave the directive on Wednesday while presenting the register of voters to political parties in Ekiti State, disclosing that 1,059,360 eligible voters are expected to participate in the governorship poll.
He also urged political parties to scrutinise the register and submit observations within the period allowed by law.
He said: “I also 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 it is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies, especially the EFCC, the ICPC and the police, to ensure that those involved in it are arrested and promptly prosecuted.
“While it is the responsibility of INEC to prosecute, I want to warn all political parties to refrain from vote trading because it is a big minus to the electoral process in Nigeria.
“So, on this note, I want to thank all of you for your attention and assure you that together we will build democracy in Nigeria, and Nigeria will be better for it.”
He described the presentation of the voter register as a momentous occasion because “we are performing a constitutional and statutory duty through the publication and presentation of the voters’ register for Ekiti State preparatory to the off-cycle governorship election that will be coming up in a month’s time.”
Amupitan said the Electoral Act requires that 30 days before the election, the register of voters must be published and presented to political parties.
“So, it is with a great sense of responsibility and commitment that I stand before you today. This moment signifies a crucial step in reinforcing the integrity, transparency and credibility of our electoral process,” he said.
According to him, “the voters’ register is the foundation upon which free, fair and credible elections are built,” adding that its accuracy, completeness and integrity are paramount to ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard and that the will of the people is accurately reflected.
“Today, we stand here to present to you a comprehensive and meticulously compiled voters’ register prepared after rigorous data collection, thorough verification and diligent collation exercises following the first and second phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which, because of the election in Ekiti State, we had to stop in compliance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Electoral Act so that we can focus on the election proper.
“I want to assure you that we have satisfied all the provisions in Section 9 of the Electoral Act by updating and including the newly registered voters together with the previous records.
“In the 2023 election, we had about 900,000 voters registered in Ekiti State. But as a result of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, the number has increased to about 1,059,660, representing an addition of about 66,000 new voters.
“This is encouraging, even though we expected higher numbers from those eligible to vote.
“Today, we are pleased to assure you that the register was developed through careful collaboration with relevant stakeholders and by utilising innovative technology to ensure its reliability and accuracy.
“As political parties and stakeholders, your role in safeguarding the integrity of this process cannot be overstated. We urge you to review the register diligently, report any discrepancies promptly and adhere strictly to the guidelines provided for the upcoming elections.
“It is the responsibility of INEC to conduct free, credible and transparent elections. But let me say that INEC cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility. Political parties also have critical roles to play in this very important constitutional assignment.
“While it is the responsibility of INEC to perform its statutory duties under the Constitution, including the conduct of elections, registration of voters, and publication and presentation of the voters’ register, it is the responsibility of political parties to mobilise registered voters to come out and vote on election day.
“I want to assure you that your votes will count. Let me give the example of the Anambra election. That was the first election conducted under my watch.
“I want to report that voter turnout increased significantly, and because the election was peaceful, transparent, free and fair, there was no dispute about the outcome. Results were transmitted efficiently.
“In 2022, when the Anambra election was conducted, it took five days to conclude the process. But last year, it took us just one day. The election was conducted freely and fairly, and by 7 p.m. on election day, 93 per cent of the results had already been transmitted to INEC. The same thing happened during the FCT election. So, I want to assure you that your votes will count.
“We urge voters to come out en masse. While INEC is responsible for voter education, political parties are responsible for mobilising voters to participate in the election, and that is very important.
“Our collective commitment to transparency, trust and adherence to democratic principles will determine the success of this election. Let us work together in the spirit of fairness, integrity and patriotism to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
“Let me also announce that by tomorrow, we shall be signing a peace accord, which is a social contract among political parties and between the political parties and the people of Ekiti and Nigeria, affirming that the election must be conducted peacefully. Campaigns must be based on issues and not personalities.
“So, please, as we turn out to sign the peace accord, let us also do what we are signing. Let us walk the talk.”
The National Commissioner supervising Ekiti State, Sam Olumekun, informed the INEC chairman that Ekiti had always been among the first states to conclude elections without rancour or acrimony.
Olumekun said the presentation of the register to political parties reflects the commission’s commitment under the legal framework guiding its activities to produce a register that is accurate, credible and inclusive.
He said the publication and presentation of the register was not a mere formality but an opportunity for political parties, accredited observers and citizens of Ekiti State to inspect, verify and raise objections within the window provided by law.
“Transparency at this stage strengthens confidence in the outcome of the election,” he said.
“I want to assure all stakeholders, on behalf of the chairman and the commission, that INEC remains bound by the principles of neutrality, transparency and fidelity to all legal provisions, and remains committed to conducting credible, free, fair and conclusive elections at all times.
“No eligible voter has been disenfranchised, and no ineligible name will be allowed on the voters’ register,” he added, while urging political parties to maintain peace as election day draws nearer.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the state was fully prepared for the governorship election.
