The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has commended the peaceful atmosphere across the state while urging all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, credible, and inclusive electoral process.
In a pre-election statement issued on Friday, the Observation Hub noted that the state has remained largely calm in the build-up to the poll, marking a significant departure from previous governorship elections characterised by heightened political tension.
The Hub, comprising the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), International Press Centre (IPC), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, Yiaga Africa, and ElectHER, disclosed that observers had been deployed across the state to monitor the electoral process ahead of Saturday’s election.
It praised political parties and candidates for largely adhering to the Peace Accord signed under the auspices of the National Peace Committee on May 21, 2026.
According to the group, most political actors conducted their campaigns peacefully, demonstrated respect for the rule of law, and exercised restraint in managing their supporters, with only isolated incidents of misconduct reported.
The election, which will feature 13 political parties and cover 2,445 polling units across the state’s 16 local government areas, is expected to provide an early test of the Electoral Act 2026 and the revised electoral guidelines.
The Observation Hub also acknowledged the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the electoral body had completed eight of its nine scheduled pre-election activities. These include the distribution of election materials, configuration of BVAS machines, training of personnel, and arrangements to enhance accessibility for vulnerable voters.
INEC has declared its operational, technological, and logistical readiness for the election,” the statement noted, adding that the commission had conducted a mock accreditation exercise to assess the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The group, however, urged INEC to sustain its neutrality and ensure the timely deployment of election materials, seamless electronic transmission of results, and transparent collation processes to boost public confidence in the outcome of the election.
On security, the Observation Hub commended security agencies for their deployment plans and called on them to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and vigilance in protecting voters, election officials, journalists, and observers throughout the exercise.
The group also stressed the need for inclusive participation, urging stakeholders to remove barriers that could hinder women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from exercising their voting rights. It called for the provision of assistive voting devices and adequate protection against election-related violence.
Despite the generally peaceful atmosphere, the Hub expressed concern over reports of voter inducement, vote-buying, political intimidation, and the spread of misinformation on social media.
It urged political parties and candidates to reject all forms of electoral malpractice and allow voters to exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation.
The Observation Hub further encouraged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers, vote according to their conscience, and promptly report incidents of violence or electoral misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
With more than 1.02 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected out of the 1.05 million registered voters in the state, the group described the election as a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development and an important precursor to the 2027 general elections.
The people of Ekiti State deserve a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election that will transparently and accurately reflect their sovereign will,” the statement concluded.
The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub said it would issue an Election Day statement during the poll and release a comprehensive post-election report after the declaration of results.
Packaged by Dare Raji
