The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has called on political parties, security agencies, journalists, and residents to cooperate with the commission to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and credible local government election scheduled for December 12, 2026.
The call was made on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti, where the Chairman of EKSIEC, Hon. Justice Cornelius Ilori Akintayo (Rtd.), said the commission was fully prepared to conduct the polls and had put necessary measures in place to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Justice Akintayo said although the commission faced challenges at its inception, significant progress had been recorded, adding that amendments had been made to the local government election guidelines to improve credibility. He urged all stakeholders to show commitment and dedication to democracy, stressing that local government elections must continue to improve.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, CP Joseph Eribo, described local government elections as critical to effective grassroots governance. He assured the commission and residents that the police would provide adequate security and act professionally before, during, and after the elections to ensure a peaceful process.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.), urged residents to actively participate in the elections. He described Ekiti as one of the safest states in the country and assured that security agencies would work round the clock to maintain peace throughout the electoral period.
The EKSIEC chairman also appealed to all registered political parties to fully participate in the election and conduct their primaries in line with the law. He assured the public that the commission was determined to deliver elections that would be transparent, accountable, and free from violence.
On voter participation, Justice Akintayo encouraged eligible residents to register and collect their voter cards ahead of the election. He disclosed that massive sensitisation and mobilisation would be carried out across the state to ensure widespread awareness and participation.
He further called on community leaders, government officials, and religious leaders to educate residents on the importance of voting, describing it as a fundamental civic responsibility. He added that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) would play a major role in public enlightenment.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various security agencies and government institutions, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and INEC, as well as political stakeholders, journalists, and public servants.
Participants collectively urged political parties and eligible voters to take part in the elections, noting that active participation is key to strengthening democracy and development at the grassroots level in Ekiti State.