INEC Assures Electronic Transmission of Ekiti Govorship Election Results

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to a credible and transparent governorship election in Ekiti State, scheduled for June 20, with plans to transmit results electronically.

The Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti on Monday that significant progress has been made in preparations, in line with the election timetable.

Thirteen political parties are fielding candidates for the election.

Omoseyindemi confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System would be deployed for voter accreditation and authentication, while election results would be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency.

He urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully on election day and perform their civic duty.

The Commission is working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to ensure a peaceful exercise. Adequate security measures have been put in place, and political actors and supporters have been urged to conduct themselves peacefully.

INEC will sustain engagement with political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the media, while intensifying voter education, particularly among women, youths and Persons with Disabilities.

The REC noted that civil society organisations have been deployed to all local government areas to encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

Provisions have been made for PWD-friendly voting, including magnifying glasses, braille ballot guides and priority voting. Gender inclusivity remains a key priority.

Recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff are ongoing, with training set to commence immediately. The Commission said this would ensure all personnel are equipped with knowledge of electoral procedures, including the use of BVAS and result management protocols.

Procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials is on schedule, with arrangements concluded for their secure movement and storage. The Commission is working with security agencies to guarantee safe delivery to all polling units.

The final voter register is being compiled and will soon be displayed for public scrutiny and made available to political parties. Registered voters yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards have been advised to do so once collection dates are announced, as no PVC means no voting.

INEC has conducted a risk assessment in collaboration with security agencies, identifying key threats and mitigation strategies. These include tackling vote buying through deployment of security personnel around polling units and collaboration with anti-graft agencies to monitor financial inducement.

Rapid response teams and pre-deployment of security assets have been established to address possible youth mobilisation for intimidation, especially in politically competitive areas such as Ado, Ikere and Oye.

To curb voter apathy, particularly among youths, the Commission will intensify voter education across markets, schools and religious centres, alongside engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders.