The Independent National Electoral Commission has raised concerns over vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, and other logistical challenges ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
In a post obtained from INEC’s X handle on Friday, the warning was issued during a readiness assessment meeting in Ado-Ekiti involving electoral officials, security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, and other key stakeholders reviewing preparations for the poll.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said INEC had intensified efforts to strengthen the electoral process but noted that several risks could undermine a credible election.
“Vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, transportation difficulties, and insecurity in hard-to-reach communities remain key threats to the electoral process,” he said.
He explained that INEC had scaled up voter education, improved logistics planning, trained election personnel, and engaged political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to enhance preparedness.
“We have strengthened voter education, logistics planning, training of election personnel, and engagements with stakeholders to guarantee a successful election,” he added.
Omoseyindemi stressed that collaboration among electoral and security stakeholders would be crucial in addressing potential disruptions and maintaining public confidence in the process.
Major Aspirants
- Biodun Oyebanji (APC): The incumbent Governor of Ekiti State running for a second term after being ratified as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress.
- Oluwadare Bejide (ADC): Contesting under the African Democratic Congress.
- Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji (LP): Flagbearer for the Labour Party.
- Opeyemi Falegan (Accord Party): Running under the Accord Party.
- Abegunde Ayobami Blessing (NNPP): One of the youngest contenders, representing the New Nigeria People’s Party.
- Akande Oluwasegun Samuel (AAC): Running under the African Action Congress.
- Ayodeji Ojo (ADP): Candidate for the Action Democratic Party.
- Bidemi Awogbemi (APP): Contesting on the platform of the Action People’s Party.
- Joseph Anifowose (APM): Representing the Allied People’s Movement.
- Olaniyi Ayodele (PRP): Flagbearer for the People’s Redemption Party.
- Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (YPP): Selected as the candidate for the Young Progressive Party.
- Victor Adetunji (ZLP): Running under the Zenith Labour Party.
