Ekiti Guber: Parties Commit to Peace Ahead of June 20 Poll

By Kemi Folarin, Rotimi Aleshinloye

Political parties contesting the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State have signed a Peace Accord, vowing to run peaceful campaigns and maintain order throughout the electoral process. 

The signing, held in Ado-Ekiti, was organized by the National Peace Committee in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. 

The initiative is part of broader efforts to prevent violence and promote stability during the election. 

The ceremony drew party leaders, candidates, security chiefs, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, diplomats, and election observers. 

Speakers emphasized tolerance, issue-based campaigns, and peaceful conduct before, during, and after the vote.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan praised the National Peace Committee for fostering democratic stability through dialogue. 

He said the Peace Accord has become key to easing tension and curbing violence in off-cycle governorship elections nationwide.

Prof. Amupitan noted that INEC has completed 7 of 9 scheduled activities for the Ekiti poll and is fully prepared. 

Voting will take place across 16 local government areas, 177 registration areas, and 2,445 polling units. 

According to him, the harmonised voters register contains 1,059,360 registered voters. 

He said INEC has reinforced logistics, technology, and result management systems to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.

On security, Amupitan stated that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, has rolled out proactive measures for all phases of the election. 

He warned against vote-buying, voter intimidation, and political violence, adding that offenders will face prosecution.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji said the state has remained peaceful and politically stable even prior to the accord. 

Other party representatives echoed the sentiment and urged INEC to ensure transparency and credibility.

Inspector General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu assured residents of robust security deployment across the state. 

He encouraged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers, saying security agencies are ready to guarantee a safe, peaceful, and credible governorship election.