The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has warned election officials in Anambra State to ensure voting starts on time during Saturday’s governorship election.
Speaking during a meeting with INEC staff in Awka on Monday, Amupitan said that any delay in starting voting shows the election process has already failed.
He stressed that logistics problems must not occur, warning that any officer who fails to commence voting at 8:30 a.m. will face sanctions.
“The world is watching INEC. Voting must begin by 8:30 a.m. in all 5,718 polling units across the 21 LGAs. If you don’t have to sleep on Friday night, don’t sleep,” he said.
Amupitan, who is overseeing his first election as INEC Chairman, emphasized that a free, fair, and credible election depends on the integrity of all staff.
He also reminded officials to properly fill and sign election result forms (Form EC8A), ensuring that figures match the BVAS accreditation data before collation continues.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he added. “If figures don’t align, corrections must be made immediately and transparently as the Electoral Act states.”
He concluded by warning that any officer who fails to start voting on time will have to explain their actions.
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