Inec-The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ekiti State to Sunday.
The extension is aimed at providing eligible voters in the state ample opportunity to collect their cards ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Professor Amupitan announced this development during a consultative meeting with the Ekiti State Traditional Council. He utilized the forum to solicit the support of the monarchs in maintaining peace, urging them to advise politicians and their supporters to refrain from actions that could trigger tension throughout the electoral process.
Speaking on the menace of vote-buying, the INEC boss disclosed that the Commission is implementing robust measures to curb the malpractice. Key among these, he noted, is the plan to inaugurate a special task force specifically mandated to monitor the process and enforce compliance with electoral laws.
Regarding the creation of additional federal constituencies—a concern raised by the traditional rulers—Professor Amupitan clarified that such an exercise is beyond the Commission’s unilateral authority. He explained that the process is constitutionally tied to legislative action by the National Assembly.
On the security front, the Chairman assured stakeholders that comprehensive arrangements have been finalized to guarantee the safety of voters and election officials. He added that additional security personnel would be strategically deployed to identified flashpoints across the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council and the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo, pledged the support of the council to the electoral umpire. He affirmed that all monarchs in the state are committed to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free governorship election.
