By Law Ibitoye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is fully prepared for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, with comprehensive measures in place to ensure a credible, transparent, and peaceful exercise.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing on the Commission’s level of preparedness, assuring voters and stakeholders that all critical aspects of the election have been adequately addressed.
Omoseyindemi said INEC had made “substantial progress” in line with its timetable, noting that the final register of voters is being compiled and will soon be displayed for public scrutiny and made available to political parties. He added that the schedule for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be announced shortly, urging registered voters to pick up their cards once distribution begins, stressing that “no PVC, no voting.”
On staffing, the REC revealed that recruitment and screening of ad-hoc personnel are ongoing, with training to commence immediately after the process. According to him, the training will cover electoral procedures, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result management protocols.
He further stated that procurement of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials is on schedule, while arrangements have been concluded for their secure storage and movement. INEC, said is working closely with security agencies to guarantee the safe delivery of materials to all polling units.
Highlighting the role of technology, Omoseyindemi confirmed that BVAS would be deployed for voter accreditation and authentication, while results would be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency.
On security, the REC said the Commission is collaborating with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure a peaceful process, warning political actors and their supporters against violence and misconduct.
Omoseyindemi also identified key risk areas specific to Ekiti State, including vote buying, political thuggery, logistical challenges in hard-to-reach communities, misinformation, low voter turnout, and possible weather disruptions due to the rainy season.
To curb vote trading, the REC said security personnel would be strategically deployed around polling units, with support from anti-graft agencies to monitor and deter financial inducement. He added that movement would be restricted on election day to limit illegal activities.
Addressing concerns over political violence, the REC disclosed that security agencies would deploy personnel, including rapid response teams, to identify flashpoints such as Ado, Ikere, and Oye local government areas, while strict enforcement of the no-campaign rule on election day would be ensured.
For remote areas like Ilejemeje, Ise/Orun, and Moba, he said INEC would adopt early deployment of materials to Registration Area Centres, with the use motorcycles for last-mile delivery, and engage local guards to ease access.
On misinformation, Omoseyindemi said INEC would activate rapid response communication teams and provide regular updates through verified platforms, in partnership with the media for fact-checking.
He noted that voter education campaigns have been intensified across the state, targeting women, youths, and persons with disabilities, with civil society organisations deployed to all local government areas to boost participation.
The REC added that inclusivity remains a priority, with provisions such as braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and priority voting for persons with disabilities, alongside efforts to promote gender inclusion.
While calling on voters to turn out peacefully, Omoseyindemi urged political parties to abide by electoral rules and avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and charged the media to continue disseminating accurate information.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering a credible election that reflects the will of the people, assuring that the Commission would continue to update the public as election day approaches.
