Ogun 2027: INEC records 15,777 transfers, 6,063 PVC collections, monitors parties

Michael Olumide Alabi

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded 15,777 voter transfers and the collection of 6,063 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ogun State as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Saseyi Feyijimi Ibiyemi, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on FRONTLINE, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

Ibiyemi said the figures represented part of the Commission’s ongoing voter-related activities aimed at ensuring that eligible citizens were properly captured and able to participate in elections from their appropriate locations.

She explained that citizens could also make claims, corrections and objections where necessary, while those who had changed their locations could process voter transfers in accordance with electoral guidelines.

The REC urged voters with issues concerning their voter information to use the appropriate INEC channels for corrections and clarification rather than relying on unverified information.

She said the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections extended beyond voter-related activities to include voter education, stakeholder engagement and measures aimed at ensuring that eligible citizens were not excluded from the electoral process.

PWDs not left out

Ibiyemi assured persons living with disabilities that INEC was making arrangements to ensure their full participation in the 2027 elections.

She disclosed that the Commission had recently organised a programme at its headquarters for persons living with disabilities to encourage them to participate in the electoral process.

“The Commission recently did a programme yesterday at the Commission’s headquarters with people living with disabilities. This is to encourage them to come out. They are not left out,” she said.

According to the REC, persons living with disabilities would be allowed to vote, with INEC providing appropriate assistance and materials for different categories of voters.

“They will be allowed to vote, and the law allows them to vote. We are telling them not to stay at home. They will be attended to first, and there are materials for them, like people living with visual impairments; there are Braille materials for them,” she said.

She added that persons with albinism would also be provided with magnifying glasses to assist them during voting.

INEC mobilises traditional, religious, other sakeholders

Ibiyemi said the Commission had continued to engage traditional rulers, market women, religious organisations, tertiary institutions and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to improve voter participation and promote peaceful elections.

She said traditional rulers had been urged to encourage citizens to participate in elections while discouraging young people from being used for thuggery, vote buying and other electoral offences.

“We have implored them because they are fathers to talk to the citizens to come out and vote and then to talk to the citizens, our children, our youth, not to be allowed to be used for thuggery, not to allow themselves to engage in vote buying and all sorts,” she said.

The REC said INEC had received cooperation from traditional rulers, market women, persons living with disabilities, religious bodies and other stakeholder groups.

She added that the Commission had also taken voter mobilisation activities to tertiary institutions and was using radio, television, market and road shows to reach members of the public.

“We also did some mobilization in the tertiary institutions. And as we are going on now, we are having a radio programme which I know people are listening. We have done other TV, market and road shows,” she said.

REC warns INEC personnel against malpractice

The Ogun REC also warned INEC personnel against electoral malpractice and other irregularities during the electoral process.

Ibiyemi said officials deployed for electoral duties were expected to operate within the law and the Commission’s guidelines, warning that anyone caught compromising the process would be sanctioned.

“If you are caught and you are doing any irregularity or malpractice, you will be punished,” she warned.

She said the warning applied to personnel involved in different stages of election administration, including accreditation, voting, collation and other electoral duties.

According to her, accountability among election officials remained essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

INEC monitors political parties, campaign finance

The REC further disclosed that INEC was monitoring political parties and their campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

She said the Commission’s political party departments were responsible for monitoring campaigns and tracking party finances within the limits provided by law.

“Then the political party departments of the Commission are monitoring the political campaigns. Under the law, we are allowed to track their finances and then monitor the campaigns in collaboration with security agencies and make our reports,” she said.

Ibiyemi said INEC had trained personnel who monitor political parties and prepare reports and statements of accounts based on information submitted to the Commission.

She explained that political parties were expected to ensure that information submitted to the Commission complied with relevant laws and electoral guidelines.

“Whatever is disclosed to us must be within the ambit of the law. We have trained staff who monitor them and prepare their statement of accounts. So that’s as far as we can go. Once we see the statement of accounts, we raise a report on it and then clarify. If anyone contravenes our guidelines, we will confront this political party. That’s what we do,” she said.

She added that the Commission would continue to work with security agencies in monitoring political campaigns and other activities requiring attention under the electoral framework.

Voters urged to use official INEC channels

Ibiyemi urged eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process and use official INEC channels whenever they require corrections, clarification or assistance with their voter information.

She reiterated that INEC personnel found engaging in electoral malpractice would face sanctions, while political parties would continue to be monitored in line with the Commission’s statutory responsibilities.

With voter transfers, PVC collection and voter education activities ongoing, the REC said the Commission would continue to engage citizens and stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 elections progress.