The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the persistent threat of vote buying ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election slated for June 20, 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, identified vote trading and financial inducement as major risks capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.
He noted that Ekiti has a history of covert vote buying around polling units, often carried out in hidden locations to avoid detection.
Omoseyindemi said INEC is working closely with anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to monitor and prosecute electoral offenders.
He added that movement restrictions would be enforced on election day to curb vote trading logistics, while voter education campaigns would focus on ballot secrecy and the legal consequences of electoral offences.
The REC also warned against political thuggery and intimidation, particularly in competitive local government areas such as Ado, Ikere and Oye, stressing that security personnel and rapid response teams would be deployed to flashpoints.
He further highlighted possible logistical challenges in hard-to-reach areas like Ilejemeje, Ise/Orun and Moba, noting that early deployment of materials, motorcycles for last-mile delivery, and local guides would be used to ease access.
Omoseyindemi urged political parties to avoid actions that could compromise the election and called on voters to reject inducement and vote freely.
He said, “We urge voters to come out peacefully and vote on election day, while political parties must strictly adhere to the rules and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.”
