INEC Vows Sanctions as Ekiti Second-Phase Voter Drive Begins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to residents of Ekiti State against the perils of multiple voter registration as the state gears up for its highly anticipated governorship election. Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Monday, January 5, 2026, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, emphasized that any individual caught attempting to register more than once for a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will face the full weight of the law. The warning comes as the commission officially kicks off the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the state’s sixteen local government areas.

Dr. Omoseyindemi explained that this second window is specifically designed to capture eligible citizens who were unable to participate in the first phase, which concluded in late 2025. The REC noted that the exercise is also an opportunity for existing voters to update their personal information or correct errors in their registration data. However, he was quick to remind the public that the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) is fully operational and capable of detecting duplicate entries, which remain a criminal offense under the Nigerian Electoral Act.

The road to the Ekiti 2026 governorship poll, scheduled for June 20, is already seeing intense activity. According to the timeline provided by the commission, the first phase of registration—which ran from August to December 2025—has already undergone a public display of claims and objections. This period allowed stakeholders to scrutinize the provisional register for irregularities, such as the inclusion of deceased persons or misspelt names. The current phase aims to finalize the list of voters that will decide the successor to the current administration come October 16, 2026.

Stakeholders, including community leaders and youth groups, have been urged to intensify their mobilization efforts to ensure that the “Gen Z” demographic—those who have recently turned 18—are fully represented in the upcoming exercise. Dr. Omoseyindemi stressed that political participation begins with a valid registration, describing it as the primary civic responsibility of every eligible Ekiti indigene. He cautioned that political parties and politicians should avoid encouraging their supporters to engage in “double-dipping” registration tactics, as such infractions could compromise the integrity of the entire electoral process.

As the political landscape heats up, following the December 29 publication of the provisional candidate list, the REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to transparency and neutrality. With political parties given until January 12 to finalize any candidate substitutions, the commission is working against a tight schedule to deliver a credible and peaceful election. The REC concluded by calling for sustained public support, noting that the success of the June 20 poll depends as much on the integrity of the voters as it does on the efficiency of the electoral body.