You Will Face The Full Weight Of The Law – Amupitan Warns Election Attackers

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has warned that the commission will not tolerate attacks on corps members or electoral officials during the 2027 general elections, declaring that anyone found responsible will face the full weight of the law.

Amupitan issued the warning on Saturday during INEC’s South-South zonal interactive meeting with staff and an assessment of the commission’s preparedness for the forthcoming elections in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The INEC chairman specifically cautioned against attacks on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to assist with election duties, stressing that their safety and that of other electoral personnel must be guaranteed.

He warned that individuals who threaten, assault or harm election officials, including corps members, would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Anyone who threatens or harms INEC officials, including National Youth Service Corps members deployed for election duties, would face the full weight of the law,” Amupitan stated.

The electoral chief also warned INEC personnel against partisan behaviour, negligence, absenteeism and financial misconduct, noting that officials found engaging in such practices would face disciplinary measures.

Providing details of the region’s electoral strength, Amupitan disclosed that the South-South has a combined total of 15,823,550 registered voters, with Rivers State accounting for 3,736,434.

He stressed that the commission would take necessary steps to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to participate in the elections because of administrative shortcomings or logistical failures.

On preparations for the 2027 polls, Amupitan revealed that INEC was strengthening its technological capacity, including preparations for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). He disclosed that the commission had procured 57,000 additional devices to support the electoral process.

He added that INEC was also auditing its electronic result management systems to improve transparency and strengthen the process of transmitting election results.

The chairman further addressed concerns surrounding suspicious photographs identified on the preliminary voters’ register published online, explaining that the commission was examining the reported cases and would take corrective action based on verified findings.

Amupitan also disclosed that INEC had concluded an agreement with the Maritime Transporters Union to facilitate the movement of election personnel and materials across creeks, coastal settlements and riverine communities in the South-South region.

The arrangements, he explained, form part of the commission’s broader preparations to address security, technological and transportation challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.