The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed its complete readiness for the upcoming Ekiti State gubernatorial election, scheduled for Saturday, 20 June 2026. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, provided a comprehensive update during a stakeholder meeting in Ado-Ekiti on 11 June, detailing operational, technological, and logistical arrangements.
According to Amupitan, the Commission has finalized a clean and legally verified voter register, now including 1,059,360 registered citizens—an increase from the 2023 figure of 987,647. This growth stems from the addition of 66,664 new registrants during the first two phases of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The use of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) has effectively eliminated 2,103 duplicate registrations, bolstering the integrity of the voter roll.
Voting will take place across all 16 local government areas, 177 registration areas (wards), and 2,445 polling units. INEC aims for simultaneous activation of all polling units at exactly 8:30 a.m. on election day. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be the sole tool for voter authentication and accreditation, with results transmitted directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for real-time public verification.
Amupitan emphasized a strict policy: “No PVC, no accreditation, and no voting—no bypasses, no exceptions.” The Commission has also introduced assistive technologies such as Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses for voters with disabilities, ensuring equitable access.
On security, INEC has collaborated with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to conduct detailed threat mapping across the state. High-risk areas identified include Ado-Ekiti, Effon, Ekiti South West, Ikere, Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Oye, which are vulnerable to political thuggery and ballot disruption. The EFCC and ICPC have been engaged to combat vote-buying and financial inducement at all polling units.
Amupitan also referenced the Peace Accord signed by all 13 participating political parties on 21 May 2026, urging that its principles be honored not just on paper but in practice. He warned that the accord must not be treated as a mere formality, but as a binding commitment to peaceful conduct.
To ensure transparent oversight, INEC has accredited 91 media organizations—deploying 675 journalists—and 98 observer groups (96 domestic and 2 international). Amupitan called on the media to report accurately and fairly, and on observers to remain neutral and present findings truthfully.
The Ekiti election is part of a broader electoral activity: on the same day, legislative bye-elections will be held in six states, including Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South East, Ondo South Senatorial Districts, Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency (Kano), and Zuru State Constituency (Kebbi). Amupitan assured stakeholders that the same rigorous standards will apply across all concurrent elections.
Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi confirmed that non-sensitive materials have been received and managed appropriately. Sensitive materials will be deployed next week, while training of election personnel continues. The Commissioner of Police, CP Michael Falade, pledged full deployment of security forces to protect voters, candidates, and officials.
Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman Hon. Adeniji Akinropo Philip called for peaceful conduct and a level playing field, urging parties to see themselves as members of a common community rather than rivals.
Earlier, Amupitan held a strategic meeting with the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, presenting INEC’s readiness profile and enlisting their moral authority to promote peaceful elections. He appealed to traditional leaders to use their influence to discourage vote-buying and encourage early turnout.