The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 469 polling units out of the total 2,445 in Ekiti State as potential flashpoints ahead of the 2026 governorship election. This was disclosed by the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, during an interactive session with media executives in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
Security Mapping and Deployment
Prof. Amupitan explained that the commission conducted extensive security mapping and shared the findings with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). Enhanced deployment of security personnel is planned for vulnerable areas. INEC has also established communication channels, including a dedicated incident reporting platform, to rapidly escalate security concerns from any polling unit.
Mock Accreditation Confirms Readiness
The INEC chairman led a high-powered delegation to inspect mock accreditation exercises across selected polling units. He stated that the exercise confirmed the commission's preparedness for the election. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed efficiently, with fingerprint and facial authentication taking an average of five to seven seconds per voter. Additional backup BVAS devices and technical support personnel have been deployed across all registration areas to address any equipment malfunctions promptly.
Assurances for a Credible Poll
Prof. Amupitan assured voters, political parties, and stakeholders that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for a peaceful, transparent, and credible exercise. He emphasized the importance of safety for voters, election officials, journalists, and observers. The commission aims for simultaneous opening of polls in all 2,445 polling units at exactly 8:30 a.m. on election day.
Warning Against Misinformation
The INEC chairman warned that the greatest threat to the election is not technical failure but misinformation and disinformation. He described fake news, manufactured election-day panic, and unauthorized declaration of results as direct assaults on public peace and democratic stability.
