… as INEC assures deployment of Modern Technology
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omosehindemi, has disclosed that the commission will deploy modern technology and special arrangements to ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups participate fully in the June 20, 2026 governorship election without being disenfranchised.
Omosehindemi gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday during the Ekiti Decides Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting organised by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity.
Speaking on INEC’s preparations for the election, the REC said the commission had acquired modern technology to support PWDs during the voting process, stressing that the electoral body was determined to ensure inclusiveness and smooth conduct of the poll.
Omosehindemi added that INEC had also made special arrangements for vulnerable voters, including pregnant women and persons with disabilities, on election day.
The REC, however, urged Nigerians to show empathy and humanity towards vulnerable groups during elections.
His words, “We have acquired modern technology to help PWDs without any glitches so that they won’t be disenfranchised.
“We have made special arrangements. Anybody that is vulnerable, PWDs, we are going to give them priority to vote on the voting day no matter who is on the line. We even encourage them to come out earlier so that they can cast their votes.
“One thing in society is that Nigerians are supposed to have empathy. It seems we have lost our sense of humanity. When you see a pregnant woman, even if you want them to vote, some people will say ‘I was here before.’ Until we change our orientation about that, it may continue”.
On the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Omosehindemi disclosed that the exercise would commence on June 2 and end on June 11 across the state.
According to him, PVCs would first be distributed at all registration areas from June 4 to June 9 before the exercise moves to the various local government areas from June 9 to June 11.
“The voter card collection will start on the 4th of June and it’s going to run till the 11th. We are going to take the voter cards to all the registration areas from the 4th to the 9th, and from the 9th to the 11th, we will take them to the local government areas” he added.
Also speaking at the town hall meeting, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade assured residents of maximum protection, saying over 10,000 police officers will be deployed across the polling units in the state.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye urged residents to actively participate in the electoral process.
He noted that religious organisations were encouraging their members to see voting as a civic responsibility rather than distancing themselves from politics.
“We encourage our members not only to vote but to exercise their civic roles. Gone are the days when Christians see politics as a dirty game. Voting is your right; if you fail to vote, you fail to take part in deciding the next leader,” he said.
Other stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of National Orientation Agency (NOA), CSOs, NGOs, among others.