INEC Seeks Monarchs’ Support for Peaceful Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to help ensure peace before, during, and after the June 20 governorship election.

At a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, emphasized the influential role of traditional institutions in promoting unity and peaceful participation in the electoral process.

“The success of elections in our state is a shared responsibility,” Omoseyindemi stated. He assured that INEC has begun early preparations to deliver a credible, free, and fair election in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act.

The REC also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will be devolved to ward levels from Monday, February 2, to improve accessibility, especially in rural areas. He urged the monarchs to encourage eligible residents in their domains to register or update their voter information.

In response, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, pledged the full support of the royal fathers. “We assure you of our support. This year’s election will be peaceful like the ones before it,” he said.

INEC had earlier published the list of 12 political parties and their candidates for the election and announced that public campaigns commenced on January 21. The commission continues to engage with stakeholders, including parties and civil society, ahead of the June poll.