The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan SAN, has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners across the country to intensify voter education and sensitisation, warning that sound policies count for little if citizens do not understand the electoral process.
Amupitan gave the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with RECs in Abuja, 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.
While noting modest improvement in voter turnout in the FCT poll, the INEC chairman described voter apathy as a persistent challenge. He revealed that participation rose from 9.4 percent in 2022 to about 15 percent in the recent election, with more than 239000 voters casting ballots compared to 148685 previously. Despite the increase, he stressed that more work is needed to build public trust and engagement.
Looking ahead to the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states and the 2027 General Election, Amupitan said every election presents lessons that must guide future planning.
He instructed RECs to ensure that voter awareness efforts are continuous rather than occasional. Citizens, he said, must be encouraged to verify their polling unit details early, including through the Commission online Polling Unit Locator, and where necessary physically confirm their locations before Election Day.
Amupitan also warned against absenteeism and negligence among electoral staff, stating that indiscipline would attract sanctions. He expressed displeasure that only 45 percent of polling units opened by 8.30 am during the FCT poll, describing the delay as unacceptable.
With the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2026, he disclosed that INEC would soon release a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election and conduct a clean up of the voters register to enhance credibility and transparency.
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