Yiaga Africa has announced plans to deploy 272 observers across Ekiti State ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The organisation’s Head of Knowledge Management and Learning, Safiya Bichi, disclosed this during a Civil Society and Media Roundtable in Ado-Ekiti.
According to Bichi, 250 stationary observers will be stationed at selected polling units, while 22 roving observers will monitor activities across the state’s 16 local government areas.
She said the observers will track the deployment of sensitive election materials, voting, vote counting, collation, and result management.
Bichi urged political parties, including the APC, PDP, and other contenders, to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid violence.
She also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve logistics and ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act and election guidelines.
The Yiaga Africa official further urged security agencies to remain professional and neutral while providing adequate protection for voters, election officials, journalists, observers, and political actors.
She encouraged eligible voters, especially young people, to participate in the election, stressing that every vote counts in a democracy.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State, Kayode Babatuyi, pledged to intensify efforts to combat fake news and curb quack journalism during the election period.
He described the media as a critical stakeholder in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process and urged journalists to uphold professional ethics.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Olajide Funsho Benjamin, encouraged Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to reject voter apathy and turn out to vote.
