INEC Lists Vote Buying, Thuggery as Major Threats to Ekiti Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission has identified vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, and logistical challenges as major threats to the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, scheduled for June 20, 2026.

The warning was issued during a readiness assessment meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, which brought together electoral officials, security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, and other key stakeholders.

The Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said at the meeting that while the commission had intensified efforts to strengthen the electoral process, several risks remained capable of undermining a credible poll.

He listed vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, transportation difficulties, and insecurity in hard-to-reach communities as key threats to the election.

Dr. Omoseyindemi noted that INEC had scaled up voter education, improved logistics planning, trained election personnel, and engaged political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to enhance preparedness for the poll.

He stressed that close collaboration between electoral and security stakeholders would be crucial in addressing potential disruptions and maintaining public confidence in the process.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured that security agencies were fully prepared to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

He emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation, warning that misconduct, misinformation, violence, and electoral malpractice would not be tolerated.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment from INEC and security agencies to strengthen coordination and ensure a credible, peaceful, and transparent governorship election in the state.