INEC: Valid Votes Will Determine 2027 Election Outcome — Agboke

INEC: Valid Votes Will Determine 2027 Election Outcome — Agboke

Pelumi Olukoya

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that their valid votes will count and ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, gave the assurance while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Commission for the Ondo North Senatorial District in Owo, the senatorial headquarters.

Agboke, who presided over the meeting, said INEC remained committed to conducting a peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process in the 2027 general elections.

According to him, “People’s valid votes will not only count; they will be the determining factor in the next election.”

He disclosed that the nationwide display of the Preliminary Register of Voters would commence on October 9, 2026, across the 203 electoral wards in Ondo State.

The exercise, he explained, would enable registered voters to verify their details and make claims and objections where necessary.

The REC also announced that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would commence simultaneously, urging eligible voters, especially those who transferred their registration during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise, to take advantage of the opportunity to collect their cards.

Speaking further, Agboke urged political parties and other stakeholders to collaborate with INEC in promoting issue-based campaigns and peaceful participation in the electoral process.

He also called for concerted efforts to discourage vote buying and political violence, stressing the need for all stakeholders to adhere to the provisions of the law before, during and after the elections.

News Contact Online reports that the INEC delegation to the meeting included the Commission’s Administrative Secretary, Mrs Adenike Tadese, and members of the state management team.

As part of the engagement, the REC and his team paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

Agboke appealed to the traditional ruler to use his position and influence to encourage his subjects to participate actively in the electoral activities scheduled to commence on October 9, while also urging them to maintain peace and comply with extant electoral laws.

Responding, the Olowo commended INEC for its continued efforts to improve the electoral process, particularly through the introduction and deployment of technological innovations.

Oba Ogunoye assured the Commission of the continued support of the palace and the Olowo-in-Council, saying the palace would remain open to INEC and other stakeholders committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

He also pledged to encourage his subjects to participate actively and peacefully in the electoral process.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by representatives from local government areas across the Ondo North Senatorial District, including members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the local government level, representatives of political parties, religious leaders, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Iyalojas, youths, NYSC corps members and other critical stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the REC is expected to preside over another stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Friday, October 9, followed by another engagement in Okitipupa on Saturday, October 10, as part of the Commission’s wider sensitisation and engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.