With only two days to the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, security agencies, electoral officials and civil society groups have stepped up preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to begin the movement of sensitive election materials to the 16 local government areas of the state on Thursday, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,000 personnel to support election security operations.
The Nigeria Police Force has also activated a comprehensive security framework, while the Court of Appeal has constituted the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
The election, regarded as one of the most important off-cycle polls ahead of the 2027 general elections, will involve candidates from 13 political parties contesting across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards and over 2,000 polling units.
INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials
Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, confirmed that the commission would commence the distribution of sensitive materials, including ballot papers, voter registers and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines, on Thursday.
He stated that INEC had concluded most of the arrangements required for the election and had already distributed non-sensitive materials.
“We have done most of the things we need to do,” Omoseyindemi said.
He assured voters and stakeholders that the commission was fully prepared to conduct a transparent and credible poll.
Air Force assists INEC
The Nigerian Air Force disclosed that it successfully transported sensitive electoral materials for the Ekiti election and other by-elections scheduled for June 20.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was carried out between June 15 and 16 following a request by INEC.
He said the exercise ensured the timely and secure delivery of materials to designated locations.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended personnel involved in the operation, describing it as part of the Air Force’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions.
Police activate election security plan
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, has begun implementing security protocols approved by the Inspector-General of Police.
Police spokesperson in Ekiti State, Sunday Abutu, said the measures include intelligence gathering, anti-thuggery operations and collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
According to him, security personnel have been strategically positioned to protect polling units, collation centres, voters, electoral officials and critical infrastructure.
Shogunle urged political actors and residents to cooperate with security agencies and assured that officers deployed for the election would operate professionally and in line with the law.
NSCDC deploys 10,000 personnel
The NSCDC announced the deployment of 10,000 officers and men drawn from several state commands, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun and Kogi.
The corps also deployed elite tactical units such as the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Special Intelligence Squad, Crack Squad and K9 Unit to deal with any security threats.
“Our mission in Ekiti State is definitive: to protect the integrity of the democratic process and guarantee the safety of every voter, election official and citizen,” the corps said.
Disability group deploys observers
Civil society organisation TAF Africa said it would deploy 150 election observers and 25 sign language interpreters to polling units where persons with hearing impairments are expected to vote.
The organisation said the move was aimed at promoting inclusiveness and ensuring compliance with election guidelines relating to persons with disabilities.
Tribunal constituted
Ahead of possible post-election disputes, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has constituted the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
The National Industrial Court premises in Ado Ekiti have been approved as the venue for the tribunal.
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Race narrows to three major contenders
Although 13 parties are participating, political observers believe the contest has effectively narrowed to a three-way race involving incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress.
More than one million registered voters are expected to decide who governs the state.
Oyebanji seeks fresh mandate
In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Governor Oyebanji appealed to residents to renew his mandate for another four years, saying his administration had fulfilled its campaign promises and delivered good governance.
He said a second term would enable his administration to complete ongoing projects and deepen economic development across the state.
“There is no doubt that we have remained faithful to our social contract with you,” Oyebanji said.
He also called on political parties, security agencies and election observers to conduct themselves responsibly and ensure the election remains peaceful.
“So far, this electioneering process has been one of the most peaceful in the history of our state, and we must do everything possible to sustain that peace before, during and after the election,” he added.
