The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on voters in Ekiti State to reject vote-buying and participate freely in the governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The commission said the credibility of the forthcoming poll will depend largely on the willingness of voters, political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
INEC made the appeal amid renewed concerns over the recurring challenge of electoral inducement, which the commission described as one of the major threats capable of undermining a transparent and credible election.
INEC Raises Concern Over Vote Trading
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the commission remains concerned about the persistence of vote-buying in the state.
According to him, previous elections in Ekiti have recorded cases of covert vote trading, often carried out in concealed locations around polling units in a manner designed to avoid detection.
He noted that the practice remains a serious concern because it compromises the freedom of voters and weakens public confidence in the electoral system.
Omoseyindemi stressed that the success of the election will ultimately depend on the collective commitment of all participants to fairness, transparency, and democratic responsibility.
Security Deployment to Curb Electoral Inducement
To tackle the challenge, the commission said it has developed targeted strategies aimed at preventing illicit financial transactions during the election.
One of the major measures includes the deployment of security personnel not only inside polling units but also around surrounding areas and access routes where covert inducement is often believed to take place.
According to INEC, this broader security presence is intended to discourage illegal financial dealings and strengthen voter confidence on election day.
The commission believes that expanding surveillance beyond polling centres will make it more difficult for political actors to organise hidden vote-trading arrangements.
Collaboration With EFCC and ICPC
INEC also disclosed that it is working closely with anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The collaboration, according to the commission, is aimed at monitoring election activities, identifying electoral offenders, and ensuring that those involved in vote-buying or financial inducement are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Officials said the partnership forms part of broader efforts to send a clear message that electoral bribery will not be tolerated.
Movement Restrictions on Election Day
Omoseyindemi further revealed that restrictions on movement will be enforced on election day.
He explained that limiting vehicular and human movement during the voting period is expected to reduce the logistical channels often used to distribute money and coordinate vote-buying activities.
According to him, movement restrictions have become an important part of election management because they help security agencies monitor the environment more effectively and reduce opportunities for electoral malpractice.
Voter Education to Focus on Ballot Secrecy
Beyond security measures, INEC said it will intensify voter education campaigns ahead of the election.
The commission noted that public enlightenment efforts will focus on educating citizens about the importance of ballot secrecy and the legal consequences of engaging in electoral offences.
Omoseyindemi said voters must understand that the ballot remains confidential and that no political actor has the legal authority to determine how any individual votes.
He added that increasing public awareness is essential to reducing the influence of financial inducement and encouraging citizens to vote according to their conscience.
Political Actors Warned Against Intimidation
The REC also warned political parties, candidates, and supporters against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
He stressed that inflammatory rhetoric, political intimidation, and any conduct likely to provoke tension would not be tolerated.
According to him, INEC remains committed to conducting a free, fair, peaceful, and credible governorship election in the state.
He said the commission has already undertaken a detailed risk assessment to identify areas requiring special attention before the poll.
Risk Assessment Highlights Key Threat Areas
Omoseyindemi said the commission’s pre-election assessment identified several contextual and historical risk factors in Ekiti that require proactive intervention.
He explained that INEC, in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders, has developed mitigation strategies for each identified risk area.
Vote Buying and Undue Influence
The commission noted that vote trading remains one of the most significant threats.
According to INEC, previous elections in Ekiti have shown that financial inducement often occurs near polling locations through hidden arrangements designed to escape official monitoring.
To address this, the commission plans to deploy security personnel strategically around polling areas, deepen collaboration with anti-graft agencies, enforce movement restrictions, and sustain voter education efforts.
Political Thuggery and Intimidation
INEC also identified the risk of political intimidation and isolated incidents of youth mobilisation in politically competitive local government areas.
The commission highlighted Ado, Ikere, and Oye local government areas as locations requiring close observation due to their competitive political environment.
To manage this risk, security agencies will deploy personnel, including rapid response teams, while security assets will be pre-positioned in identified flashpoints.
The commission also said the no-campaign rule on election day will be strictly enforced, while political actors and their supporters will be closely monitored.
Logistical Challenges in Hard-to-Reach Communities
INEC also acknowledged that geography and terrain could pose operational challenges in some parts of the state.
Remote and difficult-to-access areas such as Ilejeme, Ise/Orun, and Moba local government areas were identified as communities that may present logistical difficulties during election material distribution.
To address this, the commission said election materials will be deployed early to Registration Area Centres (RACs).
It also disclosed plans to use motorcycles for last-mile delivery and engage local guides to support movement and improve access to difficult terrains.
Call for Peaceful Participation
Omoseyindemi appealed to voters to turn out peacefully on election day and exercise their civic rights without fear or inducement.
He also urged political parties to conduct themselves responsibly and comply strictly with electoral rules throughout the election period.
According to him, safeguarding the credibility of the Ekiti governorship poll is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from voters, candidates, political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies.
Focus Turns to June 20 Poll
With preparations gathering pace, attention is now turning to the June 20, 2026 governorship election, which is expected to test both electoral management and stakeholder commitment to democratic standards in Ekiti State.
For INEC, the message is clear: the integrity of the ballot must be protected, and voters must reject vote-buying in order to ensure a credible outcome.
