Politics
Ekiti Stakeholders Unite for Transparent, Vote-Free 2026 Poll as Police, INEC, NUJ Pledge Crackdown on Malpractices
By Joseph Sunday
Stakeholders from security agencies, electoral bodies, media groups, and civil society has converged in Ekiti State to reinforce commitments for a credible 2026 governorship election, vowing zero tolerance for vote buying, fake news, and journalists harassment.
The pledge emerged at the closing of a two-day workshop organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in conjunction with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), fully funded by the European Union on the theme: “Ekiti State Governorship Media – Led Stakeholders’ Dialogue On Credible Election”.
Organizations represented at the workshop included the Nigeria Police Force, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Ekiti Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, while speaking assured residents of robust strategies to curb vote trading and other electoral vices. “We are going to be tough on vote buying and trading. Criminal elements will try to beat our strategies, but we will deploy our forces to prevent that menace,” Abutu declared, emphasizing proactive measures amid any tense political atmosphere.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omosehindemi, highlighted voter education, accreditation, and transparency as pillars placed in the front burner by INEC as electoral umpire.
He promised journalists unfettered access to information, zero tolerance for their intimidation, and collaboration with NUJ to accredit only qualified media personnel at designated centers.
The NUJ Chairman in Ekiti State, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi announced steps to combat fake news, including unified journalist tracking for accountability and initiatives to reduce voter apathy.
He urged INEC for more training on the 2026 Electoral Act.
NAWOJ Chairperson Adewumi Ademiju promised the support of women journalists to fact-checking and shaping public discourse, noting their demographic influence.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, has called for the safety of journalists and prompt investigation of any attacks on media personnel while they perform electoral duties.
He stressed that protecting reporters on the field is essential to credible election coverage and democratic accountability.