Ekiti 2026: National Peace Committee Urges Parties, Candidates To Embrace Peaceful Election

By Kemi Folarin 

The National Peace Committee, in collaboration with the European Union through the Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, has urged political parties and governorship candidates in Ekiti State to embrace peaceful conduct, issue-based campaigns, and legal means of resolving disputes ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held on Tuesday in Ekiti State as part of efforts to promote peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections. 

Representatives of major political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), attended the program.

Addressing participants, Barrister Asabe Ndahi, the Project Manager of the Matthew Hassan Kukah Centre, said the engagement was designed to strengthen stakeholders’ understanding of peaceful elections, constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and other legal frameworks guiding Nigeria’s electoral process.

She stressed that political parties play a critical role in ensuring credible elections before, during, and after the voting process, adding that democratic stability depends largely on the conduct of political actors.

Ndahi explained that the objective of the engagement was to establish sustainable democratic processes that go beyond electoral competition and encourage acceptance of election outcomes. 

According to her, stakeholders must work together to strengthen peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and collaboration throughout the electoral cycle.

She also explained the Peace Accord framework, describing it as a public agreement signed by political parties and candidates in line with Nigerian laws to guarantee peaceful campaigns and violence-free elections. 

She noted that the accord encourages issue-based campaigns, discourages political intimidation, and promotes acceptance of free, fair, and credible election outcomes.

Speaking on electoral offences, Ndahi warned against vote-buying and voter inducement, citing provisions of the Electoral Act. 

She noted that Section 121 of the law prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals found guilty of buying or selling votes during elections.

The project manager further disclosed that since its establishment, the National Peace Committee has facilitated about 28 peace accords at national and sub-national levels, contributing to reduced political tension and improved electoral peace across the country.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the programme, participants highlighted the importance of peace and security ahead of the Ekiti 2026 governorship election, especially amid concerns over insecurity in border communities connected to neighbouring states. 

They urged political actors dissatisfied with election outcomes to seek legal redress instead of resorting to violence.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State, Mr Adeniji Philip, called for greater electoral accountability and responsible leadership, insisting that all stakeholders must prioritise democratic values.

Participants at the engagement agreed that sustained voter education, dialogue, and adherence to peace accords remain essential to ensuring a peaceful and credible governorship election in Ekiti State.