The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside National Commissioners, is currently meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties ahead of the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election.
The consultative session, which forms part of a series of stakeholder engagements organised by the electoral body, is aimed at reviewing the level of preparedness for the June 20, 2026 governorship poll.
Tuesday’s meeting comes exactly 11 days before voters head to the polls and is expected to provide an opportunity for both INEC and political parties to address outstanding issues and finalise preparations for the election.
In his opening remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, defended the Commission’s decision to appeal a recent court judgment concerning its powers to determine election timetables, including timelines for key pre-election activities such as party primaries and the submission of candidates’ lists.
According to Amupitan, while the judgment affirmed INEC’s authority to issue election timetables, it simultaneously ruled against the Commission’s power to set deadlines for political parties’ primaries. He argued that the decision presents a contradiction and has necessitated an appeal to obtain greater judicial clarity on the scope of INEC’s constitutional powers.
As part of the appeal process, INEC has filed a motion seeking an order to stay the execution of the High Court judgment delivered on May 20, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of its appeal before the Court of Appeal.
The Commission maintains that a definitive judicial pronouncement is necessary to resolve the legal questions raised by the ruling and to provide certainty for the administration of future elections.
