INEC Seeks Stakeholder Collaboration Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address potential risks ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made the appeal on Thursday during an Election Risk Management sensitisation workshop held in Ado Ekiti.

Omoseyindemi stated that INEC remains fully committed to conducting a credible, inclusive, and peaceful election, adding that the success of any electoral process depends largely on the cooperation and understanding of all parties involved.

He urged political actors to abide by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, emphasising that campaigns should be issue-based, peaceful, and free from violence or incitement.

The workshop brought together participants from civil society organisations, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Orientation Agency, the media, and INEC officials.

According to Omoseyindemi, the Election Risk Management framework is a critical tool for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could affect the electoral process. He noted that such risks include logistical challenges, security concerns, misinformation, electoral malpractices, and non-compliance with guidelines.

He listed several Ekiti-specific risk factors requiring collective attention, including vote-buying and voter inducement, which had been observed in previous elections and pose a serious threat to electoral credibility.

Other risks highlighted include misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media; security concerns such as violence and political thuggery; logistical difficulties in reaching hard-to-access communities; inter-party rivalry and intolerance; low voter turnout driven by distrust or fear; and non-compliance with electoral rules by political actors and their supporters.

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

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