The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country to intensify voter education and public sensitisation, stressing that even the best electoral policies are ineffective if citizens do not understand the process.
He gave the directive on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with RECs, shortly after the FCT Area Council election and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states. The meeting also featured the swearing-in of the new REC for Abia State, Dr. Chukwu Chukwu-Emeka Joseph.
Amupitan acknowledged a modest improvement in voter turnout in the FCT election but said voter apathy remains a serious concern. Participation rose from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to about 15 per cent in the recent poll, with over 239,000 voters casting ballots compared to 148,685 in the previous election. Despite the increase, he said much more needs to be done to strengthen voter engagement and confidence.
“Our policies may be sound. Our intentions may be noble. But if citizens do not understand our processes, then the objective is only half achieved,” he said.
He urged RECs to ensure that voter awareness campaigns are continuous rather than occasional. According to him, citizens must be encouraged to verify their polling units early, make use of the commission’s online Polling Unit Locator, and physically confirm their voting locations where necessary before Election Day.
The INEC chairman also warned staff against absenteeism and indiscipline, saying the commission would no longer tolerate actions capable of undermining electoral credibility. He noted that staff who fail to report for duty on time or sabotage operations would face sanctions in line with regulations.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Amupitan called for structured post-election reviews and internal audits, stressing that the commission’s credibility rests on performance, not declarations. He said timely opening of polling units, transparent uploads to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and peaceful voting environments are critical to building public trust.
He revealed that under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, the commission would soon release a revised timetable for the 2027 polls and begin a clean-up of the voters’ register.
Amupitan expressed dissatisfaction with logistics during the FCT election, disclosing that only 45 per cent of polling units opened by 8:30 a.m., though full coverage was achieved by 10:00 a.m. He described the delay as unacceptable and confirmed that some staff in Kuje Area Council and Kabusa Ward had been queried, while a transporter in Kwali Area Council had been blacklisted.
On security, he commended security agencies for ensuring largely peaceful voting but noted the disruption at the Kuje Central Collation Centre during result collation.
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To prevent result manipulation, Amupitan said the commission has strengthened its result management system. Presiding Officers are now required to upload Form EC8A to the IReV portal and input party scores directly into the BVAS device, which automatically validates figures and flags cases of over-voting.
He maintained that while no election is perfect, Nigerians expect higher standards and accountability, leaving no room for excuses.
Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria called for closer collaboration with INEC to improve local government elections. Its chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, emphasised the need for joint training and knowledge-sharing to raise electoral standards nationwide.
