INEC warns against vote buying, thuggery before Ekiti poll

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over vote buying, political thuggery, fake news and logistical challenges ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

The warning was issued during a readiness assessment meeting held in Ado-Ekiti involving electoral officials, security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security and other stakeholders reviewing preparations for the poll.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the commission had intensified efforts to strengthen the electoral process but warned that several threats could affect the credibility of the election.

Omoseyindemi said: “Vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, transportation difficulties, and insecurity in hard-to-reach communities remain key threats to the electoral process.”

He said INEC had expanded voter education, improved logistics planning, trained election personnel and sustained engagements with political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the media.

He said: “We have strengthened voter education, logistics planning, training of election personnel, and engagements with stakeholders to guarantee a successful election.”

Omoseyindemi stressed that collaboration between electoral officials and security agencies would be critical to preventing disruptions and sustaining public confidence in the process.

Also speaking at the meeting, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured residents that security agencies were fully prepared to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

He emphasised the need for intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation while warning against actions capable of undermining the election.

Micheal said: “We are fully committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election.”

He added that misinformation, violence and electoral malpractice would not be tolerated.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment by INEC and security agencies to strengthen coordination and ensure a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in the state.