Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, and logistical challenges ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The warning was issued during a readiness assessment meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, where electoral officials, security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, and other stakeholders reviewed preparations for the poll.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, 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.
Omoseyindemi explained that the commission had strengthened voter education, logistics planning, training of election personnel, and stakeholder engagement with political parties, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and the media.
“We have strengthened voter education, logistics planning, training of election personnel, and engagements with stakeholders to guarantee a successful election,” he added.
He stressed that collaboration among electoral stakeholders and security agencies would be critical in addressing potential disruptions and ensuring public confidence in the electoral process.
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured that security agencies were fully prepared to maintain a peaceful environment before, during, and after the election.
He emphasized intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation, warning that acts capable of undermining the electoral process would not be tolerated.
“We are fully committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election,” he said.
The meeting ended with a joint commitment by INEC and security agencies to strengthen coordination and ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent governorship election in Ekiti State.
