By Reen Chidi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that Delta State has a total of 3,505,988 registered voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, disclosed this on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during an enlarged stakeholders’ engagement on preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
The figure, which represents the state’s registered voting population, underscores the scale of electoral responsibility confronting the Commission as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 polls.
Umoren used the engagement to reaffirm INEC’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, transparency and the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, assuring stakeholders that adequate measures were being implemented to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He explained that the Commission’s operational priorities included strict adherence to statutory timelines, efficient logistics and electoral materials management, security coordination, inclusive voter participation, sustained voter education, stakeholder engagement and effective monitoring.
According to him, these priorities would guide the Commission’s activities before, during and after the elections.
Emphasising the importance of institutional integrity, the REC described neutrality and professionalism as fundamental obligations for electoral officials and essential conditions for credible elections.
He assured political parties and candidates that the Commission would provide a level playing field without discrimination, partisan interference or undue preference.
He consequently charged permanent and ad hoc personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, discipline and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Umoren warned electoral officials against using their positions to advance the interests of political parties, candidates or individual political actors.
He stressed that all electoral responsibilities must be discharged in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and the Commission’s approved regulations and guidelines.
He further cautioned personnel against accepting inducements, engaging in partisan activities or allowing personal relationships to compromise their official responsibilities.
The REC said any staff member found guilty of misconduct or violation of established rules would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with applicable laws.
While emphasising discipline, he reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to improving staff welfare, professional development and working conditions within available institutional resources.
He also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect INEC’s independence and refrain from intimidating, harassing or threatening electoral officials.
On voter registration and participation, the REC highlighted the importance of maintaining an accurate and credible voters’ register, particularly given Delta State’s registered voting population of 3,505,988.
He disclosed that the Commission had concluded the three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted between August 2025 and July 2026.
He emphasised the need for sustained public enlightenment to encourage eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) through officially designated INEC channels and at their appropriate collection centres.
The Commission also urged voters to seek clarification from INEC offices and authorised communication channels rather than rely on misinformation or unauthorised intermediaries.
Umoren noted that the public display of the voters’ register provides an opportunity for eligible citizens to scrutinise their details, identify inaccuracies and raise claims or objections through established legal procedures.
He maintained that accurate voter records, orderly PVC collection and public participation were critical to strengthening electoral credibility.
The Commission further stressed that delivering credible elections required collective responsibility, urging political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to support its preparations.
It called for responsible political engagement, strict observance of electoral laws and sustained efforts to promote peaceful participation.
INEC maintained that its ultimate responsibility was to conduct elections that would reflect the genuine choices of Nigerian voters, strengthen democratic institutions and inspire public confidence in the electoral system.
