Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Friday described the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections as a major test case and reflection of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Ado Ekiti, Amupitan warned against the spread of misinformation and fake news capable of creating panic before, during and after the elections.
He urged security agencies to remain vigilant against individuals or groups seeking to frustrate the electoral process, stressing that all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure the success of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the commission remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC had carried out comprehensive readiness assessments across selected local government areas and expressed confidence in the commission’s level of preparedness.
He said the commission was currently configuring the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure optimal performance on election day, while recruitment of adhoc staff through the INECPRES portal had progressed significantly.
The INEC chairman also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the first and second phases of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise would soon be distributed across the 177 wards in Ekiti State to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised.
He called on community leaders, civil society organisations and political actors to mobilise voters to collect their PVCs before the close of distribution.
Amupitan described security agencies as critical to the success of the elections, noting that effective election logistics depend on a safe and secure environment.
He revealed that preliminary field assessments identified several flashpoints across the state, including Ado Ekiti, Effon, Ekiti East, Ekiti South West, Emure, Ikere, Ikole, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Moba and Oye local government areas, with threats ranging from thuggery and cultism to kidnapping and ballot snatching.
According to him, about 469 polling units located within 500 metres of identified risk areas had been mapped out for special security attention.
He added that security agencies, including the Police, DSS, NSCDC and the military, had assured the commission of adequate deployment before, during and after the election.
The INEC chairman further disclosed that the commission had concluded logistics arrangements with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for the movement of personnel and sensitive materials.
Amupitan also warned against voter inducement and vote buying, saying INEC was collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to arrest offenders.
He charged security personnel to maintain neutrality, vigilance and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured residents that security agencies would provide maximum protection for citizens, INEC personnel and facilities before, during and after the elections.
The police commissioner noted that officers were already providing security coverage for INEC offices across the state, adding that most identified flashpoints were located in border communities.
He identified misinformation and fake news as major threats capable of generating fear and tension among residents and called for intensified voter sensitisation by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the ICCES meeting as timely and strategic to strengthening election security and intelligence sharing.
He said the commission had intensified preparations through stakeholder engagements, logistics reviews, personnel training and collaboration with political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the media.
Omoseyindemi, however, raised concerns over political violence, misinformation, logistics challenges and voter apathy, warning that fake news and political intimidation could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
