The Ekiti Governorship Election has generated optimism among voters as residents anticipate a peaceful and orderly poll. Unlike previous contests marked by tension and violence, many people across the state believe the June 20, 2026 election will proceed smoothly.
A total of 1,059,360 registered voters are expected to choose from 15 governorship candidates. Political activities across the three senatorial districts have remained largely peaceful.
Consequently, many residents have expressed confidence in the electoral process.
Relative Peace Marks Campaign Period
For decades, governorship elections in Ekiti often triggered anxiety and security fears. However, this year’s exercise has presented a different picture.
Residents across the state reported a calmer atmosphere ahead of the poll. Political parties and stakeholders also maintained peaceful campaigns.
The development contrasts with previous elections, when fears of violence forced many citizens to stay indoors.
Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress leads a field of 15 candidates.
Other contenders include former Ambassador to Canada, Oluwadare Patrick Bejide of the African Democratic Congress and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Also participating are candidates from the Accord Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party and several others approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
SDP Accuses INEC of Blocking Polling Agents
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, controversy emerged on the eve of the election.
The Social Democratic Party accused INEC of frustrating its efforts to upload polling agents’ credentials.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party rejected reports claiming it had withdrawn from the race.
The SDP insisted that its governorship candidate, Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade, remains duly recognised by INEC.
According to the party, INEC issued access credentials but failed to activate the portal needed for the upload process.
The SDP described the development as politically motivated.
The party questioned why access codes were provided if they could not be used.
Furthermore, party officials warned that such actions could damage public trust in the electoral process.
Police Restrict Movement and Deploy Security Personnel
Security agencies have introduced several measures to ensure a smooth exercise.
The Nigeria Police Force imposed restrictions on vehicular movement from midnight until 6 p.m. on election day.
The order covers both inter-state and intra-state travel.
However, accredited journalists, election officials, emergency workers and observers remain exempt.
Candidates writing national examinations will also enjoy exemptions.
Ekiti State Police spokesman, SP Sunday Abutu, explained that the restrictions aim to prevent political thugs and criminals from disrupting the poll.
He also announced that construction companies must suspend road projects during the election period.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police deployed Deputy Inspector-General Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha and Assistant Inspector-General Olarenwaju Ogunlowo to supervise security operations.
Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, disclosed that counter-terrorism officers and Special Intervention Squad personnel had secured border areas.
According to him, security agencies have established camps around forests and vulnerable locations to stop criminal infiltration.
Nevertheless, Shogunle assured residents that the heavy deployment would not amount to intimidation.
Election Observers Raise Concerns
The Ekiti Governorship Election has also attracted close attention from domestic and international observers.
The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub expressed concern over reports of vote-buying and voter inducement.
The mission includes Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, ElectHER, the International Press Centre and other organisations.
According to the observers, allegations of cash gifts, food distribution and attempts to obtain PVC and NIN details surfaced in several local government areas.
The affected areas include Ikole, Ikere, Ekiti East, Ekiti West and Irepodun/Ifelodun.
Observers also raised concerns over political intimidation and alleged detention of opponents without due judicial processes.
In addition, they warned about the spread of false information on social media platforms.
Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and X were identified as channels where misleading claims circulated.
Despite those concerns, the observers praised political actors for largely respecting the Peace Accord brokered by the National Peace Committee.
They also acknowledged that INEC had completed eight of its nine pre-election activities.
Sensitive materials have been distributed. Likewise, BVAS machines have been configured and ad hoc staff trained.
However, the observers noted that INEC did not test electronic transmission to the IReV portal during the mock accreditation exercise.
They described such testing as essential for transparency and public confidence.
Stakeholders Call for Credible Poll
Election observers described the Ekiti governorship poll as an important test for Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026.
They noted that the exercise would provide lessons ahead of the 2027 general election.
The groups urged voters to reject violence, misinformation and vote-buying.
They also advised political parties to pursue grievances through lawful means.
According to the observers, Ekiti deserves a free, transparent and inclusive election.
The Ekiti Governorship Election has entered voting day with renewed confidence among residents. Although concerns over vote-buying and disinformation remain, security agencies and observers believe the state can deliver a peaceful and credible exercise.
The outcome of the poll will not only determine Ekiti’s next governor. It will also provide a major test for Nigeria’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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