The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held a consultative meeting with political party leaders ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, as part of final preparations for the poll.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, brought together INEC officials, national commissioners, and representatives of political parties to review readiness for the election and address outstanding concerns.
Stakeholders Review Election Preparedness
INEC said the engagement was part of its scheduled consultations with political parties aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process in Ekiti State.
The Commission noted that the discussions were focused on strengthening coordination and ensuring that all parties are aligned ahead of the poll, which is now about eleven days away.
Officials said the meeting also provided an opportunity to fine-tune logistical arrangements and address operational issues ahead of the governorship election.
INEC Defends Election Timetable
Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed that it has filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments that questioned parts of its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the Commission believes the electoral timetable is a structured and interconnected process that cannot be selectively altered without affecting the entire electoral calendar.
He made the remarks during the Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja.
Court Judgments Under Review
The Commission is appealing a May 20, 2026 ruling in a case filed by the Youth Party, as well as a May 26, 2026 judgment involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
While the SDP ruling affirmed INEC’s authority to issue an electoral timetable, it also nullified certain timelines related to candidate nomination and substitution.
INEC said the judgments raise important legal questions about its constitutional and statutory powers in managing elections and has therefore taken steps to seek clarification from higher courts.
INEC Lists Key Electoral Processes
Prof. Amupitan explained that several electoral activities operate within the broader timetable, including party primaries, nomination processes, voter education, material deployment, and configuration of election technology systems such as BVAS.
He stressed that these processes must be harmonised to ensure transparency, efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties.
INEC maintained that despite the legal challenges, it remains committed to conducting elections in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Preparations for Candidate Nomination Portal
The Commission also announced that it will issue access codes to political parties on June 26, 2026, to enable them upload candidate details through its nomination portal.
INEC warned that the system is fully automated and will close once the submission window expires.
The electoral body assured stakeholders that preparations for both the Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 general elections are ongoing as scheduled.