Ekiti governorship election results will be transmitted electronically, INEC assures

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in Ekiti State on June 20, with plans to electronically transmit results to enhance transparency.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, gave the assurance on Monday during a press briefing in Ado Ekiti.

He said the commission had made significant progress in its preparations in line with its election timetable and schedule of activities.

“The Commission has made substantial progress in its preparations, guided by our strategic election timetable and schedule of activities. We remain committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent election in Ekiti State,” he said.

Omoseyindemi urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully on election day and perform their civic responsibility.

Thirteen political parties are fielding candidates for the governorship election.

He said INEC would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System for voter accreditation and authentication.

“The commission will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System for voter accreditation and authentication. Election results will be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency,” he added.

The REC said the commission was working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to ensure a peaceful exercise.

“Adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process,” he said, urging political actors and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.

He added that INEC would 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 (PWDs).

“We have deployed Civil Society Organisations to all local government areas to intensify voter education in order to encourage more people to participate in the electoral process.

“We should know that participatory democracy is essential for sustainable development. INEC has made provisions for PWD-friendly voting, including magnifying glasses, braille ballot guides and priority voting. Gender inclusivity remains a key priority in our electoral process,” he said.

Omoseyindemi disclosed that recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff were ongoing, with training to commence immediately after the process.

“This is to ensure that all personnel are adequately equipped with knowledge of electoral procedures, including the use of BVAS and result management protocols,” he said.

He said procurement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials was on schedule, with arrangements concluded for their secure movement and storage.

“We are working closely with security agencies to guarantee the safe delivery of materials to all polling units,” he added.

The REC said the final register of voters was being compiled and would soon be displayed for public scrutiny and made available to political parties.

He urged registered voters yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so once the collection dates are announced.

“No PVC, no voting,” he stressed.

Omoseyindemi said INEC had conducted a risk assessment in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, identifying key threats and mitigation strategies.

These include tackling vote buying and undue influence through the deployment of security personnel around polling units and collaboration with anti-graft agencies to monitor and deter financial inducement.

He added that rapid response teams, identification of flashpoints, and pre-deployment of security assets would address possible youth mobilisation for intimidation, especially in politically competitive local government areas such as Ado, Ikere and Oye.

To curb voter apathy, particularly among youths, he said the commission would “intensify voter education across markets, schools and religious centres, alongside engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders.”