Ekiti State stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to credible, peaceful, and participatory elections ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship poll, emphasizing the critical roles of voter education, media engagement, electoral management, and security. The declaration came during a two-day media and election stakeholders’ dialogue held in Ado Ekiti and organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) with support from the European Union. Participants included representatives from the National Orientation Agency, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police, media unions, and civil society organizations, all united in the goal of ensuring a transparent electoral process.
The Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ekiti State, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akomolede, highlighted that ongoing voter education initiatives are key to boosting public participation. She described the programme as a timely intervention to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. Akomolede announced that NOA would soon launch grassroots sensitization campaigns across all 16 local government areas in the state. She also stressed the importance of media collaboration, expressing confidence that these efforts could lead to a 70–80 percent improvement in voter turnout and civic engagement.
Dr. Bunmi Omosehindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, emphasized that informed citizens are the foundation of credible elections. He revealed that INEC has adopted digital tools to identify and manage electoral risks, including voter fraud and logistical challenges. He called for sustained voter education through radio, television, social media, and community outreach. Omosehindemi also underscored the need for strong collaboration between INEC and the media to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of electoral information to the public.
On security, Police Public Relations Officer SP Sunday Abutu assured stakeholders of maximum security and neutrality throughout the electoral cycle. He warned that anyone involved in electoral malpractice, including vote buying, would face arrest and prosecution. Abutu also pledged to protect journalists covering the elections, stressing that the safety of media personnel is a priority. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, echoed this sentiment, promising balanced, professional, and ethical coverage of the electoral process.
Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), reaffirmed his organization’s readiness to support efforts toward a free, fair, and transparent election. Earlier, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, noted that the dialogue had helped reposition journalists to prioritize public interest in election reporting. He urged media practitioners to combat misinformation and disinformation while holding all stakeholders accountable for their commitments.
As Ekiti State prepares for the 2026 governorship election, the collective resolve of these stakeholders signals a strong foundation for a peaceful and credible electoral process.
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