Ekiti Poll: INEC Deploys Massive Security, Clears BVAS Final Test Ahead of Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified security arrangements and completed the final testing of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a mock accreditation exercise conducted in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, assuring voters and stakeholders that the commission was fully prepared to deliver a credible, transparent and peaceful election.

According to him, security personnel have been deployed to identified flashpoints across the state as part of measures designed to prevent violence, voter intimidation and any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

Amupitan said the commission, working in collaboration with security agencies, had mapped out vulnerable areas and put in place adequate safeguards to ensure the safety of voters, election officials and electoral materials.

The INEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the performance of the BVAS during the mock exercise, noting that the device successfully accredited voters within seconds and effectively rejected attempts by individuals seeking accreditation outside their designated polling units.

He explained that additional technological safeguards had been integrated into the system to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.

According to him, the system now prevents the upload of election results that do not correspond with figures entered on the official result sheets, thereby reducing the risk of manipulation and enhancing transparency.

Amupitan also dismissed concerns that large voter turnout could slow down accreditation and voting, stating that INEC’s deployment strategy and polling unit expansion would ensure seamless operations on election day.

He further revealed that all non-sensitive election materials had already been distributed across the state, while electoral officers had confirmed their readiness for the exercise.

“With the successful testing of the BVAS and the deployment of necessary logistics and security personnel, we are confident that voting will commence as scheduled across the state,” he said.

The June 20 governorship election is expected to attract significant public attention, with electoral observers and political stakeholders closely monitoring the conduct of the poll amid growing political activities in the state.

INEC maintained that all arrangements have been concluded to guarantee a free, fair and credible election that reflects the will of the people of Ekiti State.