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2027: INEC Commissioner Defends Timetable, Insists Digital Membership Deadline Feasible

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A National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, has defended the commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 general election, insisting that the deadline for political parties to submit comprehensive digital membership registers is achievable.

INEC on Thursday released a revised schedule outlining timelines for party compliance, voter registration and other pre-election activities. The timetable mandates political parties to submit detailed digital membership registers by April 2, 2026 — a requirement that has drawn objections from several parties.

Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Friday, Haruna dismissed claims that parties would struggle to meet the deadline.

“I don’t see what the big problem or big issue with membership is. Right now, they are supposed to have had their membership sorted out,” he said. “Every serious party should have no problem collating its membership.”

However, Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who also appeared on the programme, alleged that amendments to the Electoral Act were part of a strategy by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the 2027 elections.

“What I can assure you is that ADC will not be used to legitimise a fraudulent process,” Abdullahi said.

Responding to the criticism, Haruna maintained that INEC is strictly guided by existing laws and has no discretion to reject or alter statutory provisions.

“They are entitled to their opinion. That is the law of the land. INEC doesn’t have the pleasure of rejecting any law. It is guided by what the law is,” he said.

While defending the timetable, the commissioner acknowledged operational challenges facing the commission, particularly funding constraints.

“Of course, we are bothered by it. We need six months now for our money to be released, and a lot of the things we require are not off the shelf,” he said.

Haruna explained that INEC would need to procure additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to replace lost units and produce ballot papers and result sheets. Although the commission previously printed some materials internally, he noted that several raw materials are sourced externally.

“INEC is getting ready, but I can’t tell you that we are ready because we have yet to get the money for the sensitive materials,” he added.

The commissioner also disclosed plans to revalidate the voter register ahead of the polls but expressed concern over low public engagement during periods for objections and corrections.

“We intend to do a revalidation of the voter register, but the main problem is we have a period of publication for objections and so on, and people never get back to us; sometimes it is a kind of self-indictment,” he said.

On whether the 2027 elections would be glitch-free, Haruna was cautious.

“I cannot tell you it will be glitch-free,” he stated.

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Oyebanji’s Re-Election a Victory for All Ekiti People, Says Commissioner

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The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji following his declaration as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

 

In a congratulatory message issued shortly after the announcement of the election results, Aluko-Ajisafe described Oyebanji’s victory as a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in his administration by the people of Ekiti State.

 

 

She noted that the outcome of the election was a testament to the governor’s commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership, and the numerous developmental strides recorded across various sectors of the state since assuming office.

 

 

According to her, the overwhelming support received by Governor Oyebanji at the polls demonstrates the electorate’s appreciation of his people-oriented policies and dedication to the welfare of Ekiti residents.

 

 

Aluko-Ajisafe also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political stakeholders, and the people of Ekiti State for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process.

 

 

 

She expressed optimism that the governor’s renewed mandate would usher in greater development, economic growth, and improved living standards for residents of the state.

 

 

 

The commissioner urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to rally behind the governor and support his administration’s efforts to advance the development of Ekiti State.

 

 

“Governor Oyebanji’s victory is a victory for all Ekiti people. It is an affirmation of the good work being done by this administration. I congratulate His Excellency and pray for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he continues to lead our dear state to greater heights,” she said.

 

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Governor Oyebanji was declared winner of the governorship poll by INEC after securing victory across the state, earning a fresh mandate from the electorate for another term in office.

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EKITI 2026: INEC Declares Biodun Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.

 

The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the result in the early hours of Sunday at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti after the completion of collation from the 16 local government areas of the state.

 

According to the official results released by INEC, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to secure a resounding victory over his closest challengers. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, garnered 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 12,872 votes.

 

Professor Oladiji stated that having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes cast, Biodun Oyebanji was duly returned elected as Governor of Ekiti State for a second term.

 

The election, conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas on Saturday, witnessed the APC candidate dominating the polls with victories recorded in all local government areas.

 

With the victory, Oyebanji has secured another four-year mandate to continue leading the affairs of Ekiti State, extending the APC’s hold on power in the state.

 

Party supporters erupted in jubilation across parts of Ado-Ekiti and other major towns following the announcement, celebrating what they described as a decisive endorsement of the governor’s administration by the electorate.

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Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe Commends Peaceful Conduct of Ekiti Governorship Election, Expresses Confidence in Oyebanji’s Victory

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The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election.

 

Speaking shortly after casting her vote, Chief Mrs. Aluko described the electoral process as smooth, transparent, and largely devoid of violence, noting that the exercise reflected significant improvements in Nigeria’s democratic process.

 

She praised INEC officials, security agencies, and electoral stakeholders for ensuring a conducive atmosphere that enabled voters to exercise their civic responsibilities without fear or intimidation.

 

The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters across polling units and urged residents to continue to maintain peace throughout the electoral process and beyond.

 

Mrs. Aluko-Ajisafe also expressed optimism about the chances of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the election, citing the governor’s performance and developmental strides across the state.

 

According to her, the achievements recorded by the Oyebanji administration in critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development, have earned the governor widespread support among the electorate.

 

She stated that Ekiti people were in a position to assess the governor’s performance over the years and expressed confidence that voters would reward his administration with another term in office.

 

The commissioner called on political actors and their supporters to respect the electoral process and await the official declaration of results by INEC, emphasizing that peace and unity remain paramount to the continued progress of the state.

 

She reiterated her belief that the peaceful conduct of the election would further strengthen democratic governance in Ekiti State and serve as an example for future elections across the country.

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