The Independent National Electoral Commission has urged political parties, politicians, the electorate, and residents to support efforts to build public confidence in the electoral process in the country.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, reiterated the electoral body’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections in the state, cautioning against rumors, which he said could create unnecessary tension and potentially lead to conflict and violence.
The REC made the remarks in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday during an interactive session with stakeholders in the electoral process, including political parties, civil society organisations, and media representatives, on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state.
The electoral umpire began the first phase of CVR in Ekiti State on August 25, 2025, which is scheduled to end on December 10, 2025, while the second phase will begin on January 5, 2026.
During the session, the REC urged stakeholders to mobilise eligible citizens to participate. He said, “During this period, eligible citizens are encouraged to register as voters or update their details, such as name changes, addresses, or polling units. We ask for your support in mobilising citizens and ensuring they have access to registration points.”
Omoseyindemi added, “After the first phase, the display of claims and objections will take place from December 15 to 21, 2025. This is a critical stage where stakeholders and the public can raise any concerns about the registration data. We invite you to observe and actively participate to ensure transparency and credibility.
“Phase two will commence on January 5, 2026, providing another opportunity for those who missed phase one to register or update their information.”
The REC, who assured that the system would detect and eliminate multiple registrations, advised eligible Nigerians against attempting to register more than once.
He further told stakeholders, “As partners in the democratic process, your roles are very important. We urge you to support transparency and build public confidence in the electoral process.
“The success of the CVR exercise depends on collaboration, vigilance, and active participation by stakeholders. With your support, we can ensure that voter registration is inclusive, credible, and reflects the will of the people.
“INEC remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible voter registration exercise, and your engagement today is key to achieving these goals.
“Let us shun rumours. We urge Nigerians to verify information. Rumours are dangerous, especially during elections. They spread quickly, create fear, and mislead citizens. Rumours also create unnecessary tension among political actors, communities, and security agencies, sometimes leading to conflict and violence.
“False information about registration, voting procedures, polling units, election dates, or results can confuse voters and discourage participation. Rumours can destroy the reputation of electoral officials, create suspicion where none exists, and weaken the trust that is essential for free, fair, and credible elections,” the REC said.
Recall that INEC has fixed June 20, 2026, for the Ekiti governorship election and stipulated that primaries for the determination of candidates should be conducted between October 20 and November 10, 2025.
According to INEC guidelines, the personal particulars of candidates will be published by the electoral umpire on December 29, 2025, while the period for political parties to withdraw or replace candidates will lapse on January 12, 2026.
The electoral body had stated that it would publish the final list of nominated candidates of participating political parties on January 19, 2026.
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