THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Ekiti State that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for a credible, transparent, and peaceful governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
Speaking ahead of the poll, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, encouraged eligible voters to participate without fear, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to conducting a free and fair electoral process.
According to him, INEC has successfully addressed logistical concerns and finalized plans for the prompt deployment of election personnel and materials across the state’s 16 local government areas.
He also highlighted the commission’s collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), aimed at ensuring a safe and orderly voting environment.
Omoseyindemi further disclosed that the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would be utilized during the election, allowing polling unit results to be uploaded and viewed in real time to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the process.
Despite the commission’s assurances, a coalition of civil society organisations operating under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has raised concerns about alleged electoral malpractice ahead of the exercise.
At a pre-election briefing, the group reported incidents of suspected voter inducement, political intimidation, and misinformation campaigns in several parts of the state.
The observers alleged that vote-buying activities involving cash gifts, food items, and the collection of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and National Identification Number (NIN) details through pre-funded bank account schemes had been reported in Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ikole, Ikere, Ekiti East, and Ekiti West local government areas.
The coalition also expressed concern over the circulation of false and misleading information on social media, including claims about the possible use of cloned PVCs to influence the election outcome.
While noting that the overall security situation in Ekiti remains relatively calm, the civil society groups urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid acts capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
QThey also called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and impartiality throughout the election.
In addition, voters were encouraged to exercise their democratic rights freely and resist any form of coercion, intimidation, or inducement.
The governorship election is expected to attract more than one million registered voters who will decide whether Governor Biodun Oyebanji secures another term in office or a new administration emerges.
INEC said 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 2,445 polling units spread through 177 wards in the state. Voting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Authorities have also announced restrictions on vehicular movement across the state from midnight until 6:00 p.m. on election day to facilitate the smooth conduct of the poll.
Although 14 candidates are participating in the race, political observers consider Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the leading contenders.
The electoral commission has confirmed that sensitive materials have already been distributed to local government areas, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been certified ready for deployment.
Meanwhile, security agencies have positioned personnel and operational resources across strategic locations, including border communities, to maintain law and order before, during, and after the election.
Civil society observers have reiterated the need for peaceful participation, urging residents to uphold democratic values and contribute to a credible electoral process through responsible conduct at the polls.
