The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that the upcoming Ekiti governorship election will serve as a benchmark for transparency in the 2027 general elections. He made this declaration during a stakeholders' forum held in Ado-Ekiti.
INEC pledges neutrality
Amupitan emphasized that the Commission has no preferred aspirant or political party in the election. "We hold no preferred candidate, and we answer to no political interest. Our solitary alignment is with the law and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people," he said.
Logistics and anti-vote-buying measures
The INEC boss explained that the logistics plan has been perfected, with arrangements with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) being finalized to ensure synchronized movement of personnel and materials. He also addressed vote buying, stating, "We are partnering closely with the EFCC and the ICPC. Deployed personnel are under strict instructions to keep the immediate perimeter of our 2,445 polling units completely insulated from the corrosive influence of vote-buying and financial inducement. We shall defend the ballot boxes from physical violence and fiscal contamination alike."
Investigation of complaints
Following complaints of intimidation and harassment by opposition parties, as well as inducement of voters to collect PVCs, Amupitan promised that the allegations would be investigated.
Governor's wife disburses scholarships
Meanwhile, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has disbursed N10 million in scholarships to 100 orphaned and indigent students in higher institutions across the state. She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that no child is deprived of quality education due to poverty or difficult circumstances.
Speaking at the scholarship disbursement ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji described education as a critical tool for empowerment, social mobility, and national development. She stressed that every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve academic success regardless of their financial background.
Scholarship scheme details
The scholarship scheme, facilitated through her Foundation, benefited students selected from the 10 tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. Each beneficiary received N100,000 to ease the burden of educational expenses. According to the governor's wife, the initiative is part of her yearly intervention programme designed to support vulnerable students and promote access to education. The Foundation also extends educational assistance to pupils in primary and secondary schools through its yearly back-to-school programme, which provides learning materials and other resources.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Widows, Aged, Orphans and Hope (WAOH) Project, Dr. Kemi Dairo, explained that beneficiaries were carefully selected based on their indigent status and demonstrated need. She stressed that the scholarship funds would help cover tuition fees, procure academic materials, support research projects, and meet other educational needs.
