As voters across Ekiti State head to the polls to elect a new governor, The Electoral Hub has called on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusivity and peaceful participation to ensure a credible and violence-free election.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, the 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election represents a critical milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and an important test of the country’s ongoing electoral reforms.
The organisation noted that the election offers citizens of the state a significant opportunity to freely determine the future direction of governance while strengthening democratic institutions and public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the statement, the election is being conducted under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and other relevant legal frameworks designed to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.
The Electoral Hub described the poll as a major opportunity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement provisions of the new Electoral Act 2026 and further test its Electronic Collation System (E-Collation), which deploys the electronic EC88A form for the collation and transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While acknowledging improvements recorded over the last four electoral cycles, the organisation expressed concern over persistent challenges such as vote buying, voter inducement, misinformation, electoral violence and declining voter turnout, warning that such practices continue to threaten the credibility of elections and public trust in democratic institutions.
The Electoral Hub also highlighted concerns over political intimidation, information disorder and localized tensions, urging security agencies and relevant government institutions, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
The statement further drew attention to the continued underrepresentation of women, youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and minority groups in elective positions, calling on political parties to adopt deliberate inclusion policies and affirmative action measures to improve participation and representation.
Citing constitutional and statutory provisions that guarantee citizen participation and prohibit discrimination, the organisation stressed that no eligible voter should be excluded from exercising their democratic rights.
The Electoral Hub urged INEC to ensure the timely deployment of election materials and personnel, guarantee the functionality of all BVAS devices, and ensure prompt transmission of results in accordance with electoral guidelines.
It also called on political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns driven by policy debates and governance priorities, warning against hate speech, misinformation, violence and divisive rhetoric capable of undermining social cohesion and democratic stability.
Security agencies were equally urged to remain neutral, professional and non-partisan while providing adequate protection for voters, election officials, observers and journalists throughout the electoral process.
The organisation further emphasised the need for strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, INEC Regulations and Guidelines, the Disability Act 2018, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, the Child Rights Act 2003 and other relevant laws governing elections.
It also urged political parties and candidates to demonstrate democratic maturity by accepting credible outcomes or seeking lawful redress through established judicial channels rather than resorting to violence or actions capable of disrupting public peace and security.
According to the statement, the outcome of the election must reflect the freely expressed will of the people of Ekiti State, insisting that every valid vote must count and that election results must accurately represent choices made at polling units without manipulation or distortion.
The Electoral Hub encouraged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate peacefully in the election, reject vote buying and voter inducement, and contribute actively to safeguarding democratic integrity.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Nigeria, the organisation urged all stakeholders to place national interest above partisan considerations.
“The future of Ekiti must be decided at the ballot box, freely, fairly, transparently, and in the true spirit of democracy,” the statement concluded.
