By Gabriel Ameh
Thirteen political parties participating in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to peaceful conduct before, during and after the poll.
Among those who signed the accord was Governor Biodun Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to a credible and violence-free election.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, warned political parties and supporters against vote buying, voter intimidation and electoral violence, stressing that violators would face prosecution.
According to him, security agencies including the police, EFCC and ICPC have been directed to arrest and prosecute offenders during the election period.
Amupitan disclosed that 1,059,360 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across the 16 local government areas, 177 registration areas and 2,445 polling units in the state.
He added that INEC had concluded major preparations for the poll, including deployment of logistics and collaboration with security agencies to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The INEC chairman further revealed that 54 media organisations, 470 journalists, 96 domestic observer groups and two international observer groups had been accredited to monitor the election.
Representing former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Gen. Martin Agwai urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and shun violence, noting that no political ambition should lead to loss of lives.
Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu assured residents of adequate security before and during the election, promising professionalism and neutrality from security personnel deployed for the exercise.
Amupitan also urged political parties to mobilise voters peacefully and assured Nigerians that every valid vote would count, citing improvements recorded during the recent Anambra governorship election.
