The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), on Wednesday directed Resident Electoral Commissioners across the country to intensify voter education and sensitisation, saying sound policies mean little if citizens do not understand the electoral process.
Amupitan gave the charge at a meeting with RECs on Wednesday in Abuja, held on the heels of the just-concluded FCT Area Council election and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states, as well as the swearing-in of the new REC representing Abia State, Dr. Chukwu Chukwu-Emeka Joseph.
While acknowledging modest improvement in voter turnout in the FCT poll, the INEC chairman said voter apathy remained a major concern.
“Voter apathy still manifested in the turnout, although with modest improvement in the FCT. From 9.4% in 2022, participation rose to approximately 15% in this election, with over 239,000 voters casting ballots, as against 148,685 in 2022. There is still considerable work to be done to deepen voter engagement and confidence,” he said.
He stressed that every election offers lessons ahead of future contests, including the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states and the 2027 General Election.
“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,” Amupitan said.
He therefore directed RECs to step up awareness campaigns in their states.
“I therefore direct all Resident Electoral Commissioners to intensify voter education and sensitisation in your respective states. Voter awareness must not be episodic. It must be continuous.
“Citizens must be encouraged to verify their polling unit details well ahead of elections, including through the Commission’s online Polling Unit Locator… Where necessary, they should physically visit their polling locations before Election Day,” he added.
The INEC chairman cautioned against absenteeism and dereliction of duty among staff.
“We will no longer tolerate indiscipline. Any staff who fails to report for duty, arrives late without justification, or otherwise sabotages the process will face sanctions in accordance with our regulations,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, he urged RECs to institutionalise post-election reviews and internal audits.
“The credibility of the Commission is built not on declarations, but on performance. Each polling unit that opens late erodes trust. Conversely, each transparent upload to IReV, each peaceful polling environment, and each satisfied voter strengthen our democracy.”
He added that with the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2026, the commission would issue a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election and embark on a clean-up of the voters’ register.
“I urge you all to return to your states with renewed commitment, heightened vigilance and a clear message to your staff: excellence is not optional; it is mandatory,” he said.
The INEC chairman expressed displeasure over logistics lapses during the FCT poll, revealing that only 45 per cent of polling units opened by 8:30 am.
“Although we achieved 100% by 10:00 am, the initial delay is unacceptable,” he said.
“There will be consequences for any act capable of sabotaging the process, and 45% opening at 8:30 am is not satisfactory. It fell short of our standards. It undermines public confidence. And it will not be tolerated,” Amupitan said.
He disclosed that some staff in Kuje Area Council and Kabusa Ward had been queried, while a transporter in Kwali Area Council had been blacklisted over delays.
On security, he commended security agencies for ensuring peaceful voting but acknowledged the invasion of the Kuje Central Collation Centre by thugs during the collation process.
“Elections must be peaceful, not by accident, but by deliberate planning and coordination,” he said.
Safeguards against result manipulation
The INEC chairman said the commission had strengthened its result management system to curb manipulation, especially at the collation stage.
“We have identified that the greatest threat to our electoral process is not even the voting at the polling units but the actual collation of the results at several levels,” he said.
He explained that Presiding Officers are now required to upload Form EC8A to the INEC Result Viewing Portal and enter party scores directly into the BVAS device, which performs internal validation checks.
“The total votes entered do not exceed the number of accredited voters. The figures entered are mathematically consistent. Over-voting is automatically flagged and cannot be finalised,” he stated.
Amupitan noted that while there is no perfect election, Nigerians are looking to the Commission with heightened anticipation and scrutiny, emphasising that there is no room for error or excuse in what he described as a crucial process.
Meanwhile, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria called for closer collaboration with INEC to strengthen local government elections.
Its Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, said the forum was committed to professionalism and deeper partnership, including joint training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to improve electoral standards nationwide.