A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the timely release and effective utilisation of election funds to complete pending pre-election activities for the Ekiti state Off-Cycle governorship election slated for June this year.
The group said the 20 June 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election is a critical milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a forerunner to the 2027 General Election
Speaking on behalf of the coalition at the public presentation of the Ekiti state Pre-Election Assessment Report in Abuja, Nigeria, Lanre Arogundade who is also the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC) said the success of the election which is barely 36 days from now depends on the preparedness of the electoral umpire including the rehabilitation of State and LGA offices, RACs, and collation centres.
He said the pre-election assessment conducted by the coalition so far indicated 34 percent preparedness which is not good enough for a democratic process.
“The state of election preparedness across the 16 INEC LGA offices stood at 34% as of 14 April 2026. The state office is yet to receive election funding, and several State and LGA offices, operational vehicles, and collation centers require urgent rehabilitation,” he said
According to him, the group acknowledges the efforts being made towards the BVAS inventory checks and network mapping, while calling for the Configuration and stress-testing of the BVAS and the IReV.
” This will guarantee seamless accreditation, transparent collation, and the credible electronic transmission of results in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
“INEC should also activate the Security and Alert Notification System (ISANS) for rapid response,” he said
The group noted inclusion gaps for women, youths, and People living with disabilities stressing that amongst the 13 political parties contesting the election, there is no female governorship aspirant and publicly declared PWDs.
They urged the Security and Law Enforcement Agencies to ensure the execution of Operation Order 08/2026 for the election, especially the proposed deployment of 9,780 conventional officers, helicopters, patrol vehicles, and Armored Personnel Carriers.
“This should be carried out with strict neutrality, professionalism, and intelligence-led deployment, with particular attention to border communities in the northern LGAs of Ikole, Moba, and Ilejemeje, which are prone to security challenges.
“Adopt a proportionate, rights-based approach in addressing vote trading and avoid heavy-handed tactics that could provoke a public backlash.
“Guarantee the safety of voters, journalists, observers, electoral personnel, and election materials throughout the process,” said Arogundade.
