Ekiti 2026 Election: INEC Commences Distribution of Sensitive Materials Across Ekiti's 16 LGAs Ahead of Governorship Election

By Opeyemi Akinyemi, Ekiti

With less than 48 hours to the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials to Electoral Officers across the state's 16 Local Government Areas.

The exercise, which began on Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria branch along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, forms a critical part of the commission's final preparations to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process ahead of Saturday's poll.

The distribution process was witnessed by Electoral Officers, security personnel, election observers, civil society organizations, representatives of political parties, and other stakeholders to guarantee transparency and accountability throughout the exercise.

Addressing journalists during the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omosehinde, expressed confidence in the level of preparedness demonstrated by election officials and security agencies.

"We are here to collect sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in preparation for the governorship election scheduled to hold on June 20, 2026, in Ekiti State," he said.

According to him, security personnel have been adequately mobilized, while Electoral Officers are fully prepared for the task ahead.

He urged residents of the state to come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility and maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

"Ekiti has remained peaceful, and our responsibility is to provide the platform for a credible electoral process. We have promised the people a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive election, and we are committed to delivering on that promise," Omosehinde stated.

On security arrangements, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti State Governorship Election, Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents that comprehensive measures had been put in place to guarantee the safety of election materials and participants.

He disclosed that police personnel had been deployed to escort the sensitive materials to all 16 local government areas and ensure their protection throughout the electoral process.

"We have put adequate plans in place to ensure that these sensitive materials are delivered safely to all designated polling units across the state before Saturday morning. This is to facilitate the timely commencement of voting and other electoral activities at the stipulated time in all polling units," he said.

CP Shogunle further reassured residents of the readiness of security agencies to prevent and respond swiftly to any form of violence, intimidation, or insecurity during the election period, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities.

He emphasized that the collective efforts of security agencies and electoral officials would ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the will of the people.

As preparations enter the final stage, stakeholders have continued to call on voters, political actors, and supporters to uphold peace and democratic values before, during, and after the election.

End.