INEC flags vote buying, thuggery ahead of Ekiti governorship election

As Ekiti State gears up for its governorship election on June 20, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sounded a serious note of caution, highlighting a spectrum of threats that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The commission's readiness assessment meeting in Ado-Ekiti, attended by electoral officials and security agencies, underscored concerns ranging from the pervasive issue of vote buying to political thuggery and the insidious spread of fake news.

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Vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, transportation difficulties, and insecurity in hard-to-reach communities remain key threats to the electoral process.

Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, articulated these challenges, emphasizing that while INEC has bolstered its efforts to ensure a credible election, several risks loom large. Beyond the well-documented problems of vote buying and thuggery, the commission is also grappling with logistical hurdles and security concerns, particularly in the more inaccessible communities within the state. These factors, if left unaddressed, could significantly mar the electoral landscape.

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We have strengthened voter education, logistics planning, training of election personnel, and engagements with stakeholders to guarantee a successful election.

In response, INEC has intensified voter education initiatives, refined logistics planning, and conducted comprehensive training for election personnel. Crucially, the commission has also engaged extensively with a wide array of stakeholders, including political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the media. This multi-pronged approach aims to foster a collaborative environment where potential disruptions can be proactively managed and public confidence in the electoral system can be maintained.

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We are fully committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election.

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, has pledged the full commitment of security agencies to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment. He stressed the vital role of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in preempting and neutralizing any conduct that could jeopardize the election's credibility. The joint resolve of INEC and the security apparatus signals a unified front against electoral malpractice, violence, and misinformation, aiming for an election that is not only peaceful but also transparent and fair.

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Misinformation, violence, and electoral malpractice would not be tolerated.