AfriPulse
By Myke Uzendu
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote buying and vote trading ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, describing the practice as a major threat to Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
Speaking on Wednesday during the presentation of the voters’ register to political parties in Ekiti State, Amupitan said vote buying remains one of the most serious challenges undermining credible elections in Nigeria.
He stressed that law enforcement agencies, including the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), must ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws against offenders.
“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,” Amupitan said.
“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 are arrested and promptly prosecuted.”
He urged political parties to avoid practices capable of undermining the electoral process.
“We urge all political parties to please refrain from this issue of vote trading because it is a big minus to the electoral process in Nigeria,” he added.
The INEC chairman disclosed that 1,059,660 registered voters are expected to participate in the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, representing an increase of about 66,000 new voters compared to the approximately 900,000 voters registered during the 2023 election cycle.
According to him, the updated register was compiled after extensive verification exercises and incorporation of newly registered voters following the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
He described the presentation of the register as a constitutional obligation and a critical milestone in ensuring transparent and credible elections.
“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.
Amupitan noted that the Electoral Act requires the publication and presentation of the voters’ register to political parties at least 30 days before an election.
He assured stakeholders that the commission had complied fully with relevant provisions of the law and encouraged political parties to scrutinise the register and report discrepancies within the legal timeframe.
“As political parties, your role in safeguarding the integrity of this process cannot be overstated. We urge you to review the register diligently and report any discrepancies promptly,” he said.
The INEC chairman also reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting transparent elections, stressing that credible polls require cooperation from all stakeholders.
“It is the responsibility of INEC to conduct free, credible and transparent elections. But INEC cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility,” he stated.
He urged political parties to mobilise voters while assuring Nigerians that their votes would count.
Citing recent elections as examples, Amupitan said electoral reforms had significantly improved result transmission and reduced disputes.
He referenced the most recent Anambra election, noting that about 93 per cent of results were transmitted by 7 p.m. on election day.
“I want to assure you that your vote will count,” he said. “The election was peaceful, transparent and fair.”
Amupitan further announced that political parties would sign a peace accord ahead of the Ekiti governorship election, describing it as a commitment to issue-based campaigns and peaceful conduct.
“Campaigns must be based on issues and not on personalities,” he said. “Let us walk the talk.”
Also speaking, National Commissioner supervising Ekiti State, Sam Olumekun, said the presentation of the register demonstrated INEC’s commitment to producing an accurate, credible and inclusive voter database.
He noted that the exercise provides political parties and stakeholders the opportunity to verify the register and raise objections where necessary.
Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, declared that the state was fully prepared for the governorship election.
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