INEC seeks stakeholder synergy ahead of Ekiti poll

As Nigeria gears up for the governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is proactively engaging stakeholders to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has emphasized INEC's unwavering commitment to delivering a credible, inclusive, and peaceful election, underscoring that success hinges on the collective cooperation of all involved parties.

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INEC remains fully committed to conducting an election that reflects the will of the people of Ekiti State.

The Election Risk Management (ERM) sensitisation workshop, held in Ado Ekiti, serves as a crucial platform for identifying and addressing potential threats. Omoseyindemi highlighted the importance of adherence to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, urging political actors to conduct issue-based and peaceful campaigns. The workshop's objective is to foster a shared understanding of the ERM framework and develop collaborative strategies to counter risks ranging from logistical hurdles and security issues to the pervasive challenges of misinformation and electoral malpractices.

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These risks are not insurmountable, but they require proactive collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

From our perspective at The Punch, the focus on Ekiti-specific risks like vote-buying and voter inducement, which have marred previous elections, is particularly pertinent. The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation via social media platforms also poses a significant threat to informed voter participation and can easily inflame tensions. INEC's call for vigilance and shared responsibility is therefore timely, as these are not insurmountable challenges but require a concerted effort from civil society, security agencies, the media, and political actors alike to safeguard the democratic will of the Ekiti people.

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Our objective of conducting an election that reflects the will of the people of the state can only be achieved through cooperation, vigilance, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.