Ekiti Guber: INEC Partners EFCC, ICPC, Extends PVC Collection Ahead of Election

ADO The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to curb vote buying ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure on Thursday during a consultative meeting with the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the collaboration with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission was aimed at ensuring credible elections through enforcement against electoral offenders operating around polling units.

According to him, security agencies will move to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in vote buying, describing the practice as a serious threat to democratic integrity.

“The Commission is working in strict alignment with the EFCC and the ICPC to arrest and prosecute financial agents attempting to buy votes around our polling units,” he said.

Amupitan urged traditional rulers to support voter education and discourage electoral malpractice within their communities, warning that vote selling undermines future development and democratic choice.

He also reaffirmed INEC’s neutrality in the electoral process, stressing that the commission has no preferred candidate.

“As the Chairman of this Commission, I give you my solemn pledge: INEC has no candidate in this election. We are completely independent, neutral, and dispassionate,” he stated.

He added that the commission’s responsibility is to ensure that the will of the people is reflected through a free, fair, and credible election.

Amupitan further noted that INEC will conduct several legislative bye-elections across six states on the same day as the Ekiti governorship poll, but assured that adequate arrangements have been made for effective delivery.

He described the Ekiti election as a key test case ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a related development, the INEC Chairman approved an extension of the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ekiti State until Sunday, allowing more eligible voters to obtain their cards before the election.

He urged residents to take advantage of the extension and participate actively in the electoral process while appealing for peace and cooperation.

Responding, the Acting Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, called for the creation of additional electoral wards and polling units in the state, citing population growth over the years.

He also recommended an increase in federal constituencies in Ekiti to reflect current demographic realities.

The monarch urged INEC to use the forthcoming governorship election as a model for peaceful and violence-free polls, expressing optimism about improved electoral conduct in the state.