The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has directed resident electoral commissioners (RECs) across the country to strengthen voter education and sensitisation efforts following lessons from the recent area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Gatekeepers News reports that Amupitan issued the directive on Wednesday during a meeting with RECs and the swearing-in of a new commissioner for Abia State.
He acknowledged an improvement in voter turnout in the FCT elections, which rose from 9.4 percent in 2022 to about 15 percent in 2026, with more than 239,000 voters participating compared to 148,685 previously. Despite the increase, he said voter apathy remains a major challenge.
The INEC chairman noted that some voters were unable to locate their polling units, even after extensive publicity and text message reminders from the commission.
“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,” he said.
He encouraged voters to confirm their polling unit details using INEC’s online locator and to physically visit polling centres before election day if necessary.
Amupitan also addressed claims of alleged voter migration in the FCT, clarifying that no voter was relocated during the 2026 elections. He explained that the redistribution of approximately 6.7 million voters nationwide took place in 2022 as part of the commission’s polling unit expansion exercise.
He emphasised that voter education must be sustained beyond election periods.
“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,” he said.
“As resident electoral commissioners, you are the commission in your states. The buck stops with you.”
INEC warns officials over logistics delays
Amupitan expressed concern over logistical shortcomings during the FCT elections, revealing that only 45 percent of polling units opened by 8:30 am, although full deployment was achieved by 10:00 am.
“The initial delay is unacceptable. It fell short of our standards. It undermines public confidence. And it will not be tolerated,” he warned.
He said electoral officials in Kuje and Kabusa had been queried, while a transporter in Kwali Area Council would be blacklisted over the delays.
Despite the setbacks, he noted that the elections were largely peaceful and transparent, with more than 93 percent of results uploaded to INEC’s result viewing portal by Sunday afternoon.
Amupitan stressed that the commission must address identified weaknesses as preparations continue for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the 2027 general election.
“There is no room for error or excuse,” he said.
