INEC seeks stakeholder synergy ahead of Ekiti poll

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Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission has called for collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate potential risks to the conduct of a free, fair, credible, and acceptable election.

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The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said INEC was fully committed to delivering a credible, inclusive, and peaceful election, stressing that the success of any electoral process largely depends on the cooperation, understanding, and commitment of all stakeholders.

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Omoseyindemi spoke in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during an Election Risk Management sensitisation workshop for stakeholders.

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He urged political actors to conduct their activities in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, adding that campaigns should be issue-based, peaceful, and free from violence or incitement.

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“INEC remains fully committed to conducting an election that reflects the will of the people of Ekiti State,” he said.

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He explained that the sensitisation workshop was designed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the ERM framework, identify potential risks specific to the Ekiti election, develop collaborative strategies for risk mitigation, and strengthen synergy among all critical actors in the electoral process.

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Participants at the workshop included civil society organisations, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Orientation Agency, the media, and INEC officials.

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Omoseyindemi said the ERM framework was a critical tool for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could affect the electoral process. He noted that such risks could range from logistical challenges and security concerns to misinformation, electoral malpractices, and stakeholder non-compliance with established guidelines.

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“These risks are not insurmountable, but they require proactive collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders,” he said.

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“Our objective of conducting an election that reflects the will of the people of the state can only be achieved through cooperation, vigilance, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines,” he added.

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He listed some Ekiti-specific risk factors requiring collective attention, including vote-buying and voter inducement, which he said had been observed in previous elections and posed a serious threat to electoral credibility.

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He also cited misinformation and disinformation, particularly via social media platforms, which could mislead voters and heighten tensions.

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Other risks, according to him, include security concerns such as violence, political thuggery, and disruption of electoral activities in some areas; logistical challenges, especially in the timely deployment of personnel and materials to hard-to-reach communities; and inter-party rivalry and intolerance, which could escalate into conflict if not properly managed.

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He further mentioned low voter turnout or apathy driven by distrust or fear, as well as non-compliance with electoral guidelines by political actors and their supporters.

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