The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process.
The commission made the appeal during an Election Risk Management (ERM) sensitisation workshop held in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, where electoral officials, security agencies, civil society groups, and other critical actors gathered to assess potential risks ahead of the poll.
Commitment to Credible and Inclusive Election
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering an election that reflects the will of the people.
He stressed that while INEC is responsible for managing the electoral process, the success of any election largely depends on the cooperation and conduct of stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, voters, and the media.
“INEC remains fully committed to conducting an election that reflects the will of the people of Ekiti State,” Omoseyindemi said.
He urged political actors to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, emphasizing that campaigns must remain peaceful, issue-based, and free from violence, intimidation, or inflammatory rhetoric.
Focus on Election Risk Management Framework
Omoseyindemi explained that the sensitisation workshop was designed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the Election Risk Management framework and improve coordination ahead of the polls.
According to him, the ERM framework serves as a proactive tool for identifying, assessing, and addressing potential risks that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
He noted that the objective of the engagement was to build consensus among stakeholders on how best to mitigate challenges that may arise before, during, and after the election.
“The sensitisation workshop is aimed at enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of the ERM framework, identifying potential risks specific to the Ekiti election, developing collaborative strategies for risk mitigation, and strengthening synergy among all critical actors in the electoral process,” he said.
Broad Participation from Security and Civil Society Actors
The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organisations, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), members of the media, and INEC officials.
The presence of security agencies underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring a safe and orderly electoral environment, particularly in addressing potential security threats and maintaining public order during the election period.
Identifying Key Electoral Risks in Ekiti
Omoseyindemi outlined several risk factors that could potentially affect the conduct of the election, stressing the need for early intervention and collective responsibility among stakeholders.He noted that electoral risks in Ekiti State range from logistical and operational challenges to security concerns, misinformation, and political behaviour that could undermine public confidence in the process.
Among the key risks identified are vote-buying and voter inducement, which the REC said had been observed in previous elections and continue to pose a serious threat to the credibility of the electoral process.
He also highlighted misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media platforms, warning that false information could mislead voters, create confusion, and heighten political tension.
According to him, unchecked circulation of fake news remains one of the most dangerous threats to electoral integrity in the digital age.
Security Concerns and Electoral Violence
The REC further raised concerns over potential security threats, including violence, political thuggery, and disruption of electoral activities in some areas.
He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration with security agencies to ensure that voters, election officials, and materials are adequately protected throughout the election period.
Omoseyindemi also noted that logistical challenges, particularly in the timely deployment of personnel and election materials to hard-to-reach communities, could affect the smooth conduct of the election if not properly managed.
He called for improved planning and coordination among INEC logistics teams and security agencies to ensure seamless electoral operations across all polling units.
Political Tensions and Voter Participation
The REC also drew attention to the issue of inter-party rivalry and political intolerance, warning that heightened political competition could escalate into conflict if not properly managed.
He urged political parties and their supporters to prioritise peace and national interest over partisan rivalry.
Another concern raised was the possibility of low voter turnout or voter apathy, which he attributed to factors such as distrust in the electoral process, fear of violence, or disengagement from political activities.
Omoseyindemi emphasized the importance of voter education and public sensitisation campaigns to encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
He also pointed out instances of non-compliance with electoral guidelines by political actors and their supporters, noting that such behaviour could undermine the credibility of the election if not addressed early.
Call for Shared Responsibility
The REC stressed that none of the identified risks are insurmountable, adding that they require proactive collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
“These risks are not insurmountable, but they require proactive collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders,” he said.
He reiterated that INEC alone cannot guarantee a successful election without the active cooperation of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the electorate.
“Our objective of conducting an election that reflects the will of the people of the state can only be achieved through cooperation, vigilance, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines,” he added.
Strengthening Confidence in the Electoral Process
The sensitisation workshop is part of broader preparations by INEC to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.
The commission has in recent years increased its focus on risk-based election planning, stakeholder engagement, and technological improvements aimed at reducing electoral malpractices and enhancing transparency.Observers say early engagement with stakeholders, as demonstrated in Ekiti, is critical to reducing tensions and ensuring a smoother electoral process.
