Security agencies have intensified preparations ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) begins the movement of sensitive election materials to the 16 local government areas of the state.
With just two days to the poll, INEC, security authorities, political parties and civil society organisations have stepped up activities aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
The electoral commission is expected to distribute sensitive materials, including ballot papers, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and voter registers, as part of final arrangements for the election. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the commission had completed most of the preparations required for the exercise.
“We have done most of the things we need to do,” Omoseyindemi said, adding that non-sensitive materials had already been distributed ahead of the election.
The movement of sensitive materials represents one of the final stages in INEC’s election timetable and is expected to be monitored by political parties, observers and security agencies to ensure accountability throughout the process.
Security Deployment
Security agencies have announced extensive measures to maintain law and order before, during and after the election.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel across the state, with officials expected to support voter safety, protect electoral infrastructure and assist vulnerable voters, including persons with disabilities.
The Nigeria Police Force has also activated its election security framework, including intelligence gathering, deployment planning and coordination with other agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
The police said measures had been put in place to identify and address possible threats such as political violence, cult activities, thuggery and misinformation during the election period.
INEC had earlier identified 469 polling units across the state as potential flashpoints requiring enhanced security attention. The commission said the risk assessment was carried out in collaboration with security agencies to improve response strategies during the election.
Air Force Supports Logistics
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also confirmed the successful airlift of sensitive electoral materials to support the Ekiti governorship election and other by-elections scheduled to hold the same day in parts of the country.
The operation, carried out between June 15 and 16 following a request from INEC, was aimed at ensuring the safe and timely transportation of election materials from Abuja to designated locations.
The airlift also supported legislative by-elections in areas including Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency in Kebbi State.
Political Contest
The Ekiti governorship election is expected to feature candidates from 13 political parties competing across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards and more than 2,000 polling units.
The election is being closely watched nationally as a significant political exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking another term in office. In a statewide broadcast ahead of the election, Oyebanji said his administration had fulfilled its campaign promises and delivered good governance to residents.
Tribunal Ready for Possible Disputes
Ahead of the election outcome, the Court of Appeal has constituted the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to handle possible post-election disputes.
The tribunal was constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
As INEC begins the final distribution of sensitive materials and security agencies maintain heightened readiness, attention now shifts to election day as voters prepare to decide the next governor of Ekiti State.
