NPC urges peaceful conduct ahead of Ekiti governorship election
The National Peace Commission has cautioned against vote-buying and insecurity in the lead-up to the Ekiti State governorship election. Asabe Ndahi and Esrom Ajanya from the commission highlighted the risks posed by transactional politics and violence to Nigeria’s democracy. Security incidents and declining voter turnout were discussed at a stakeholders’ forum in Ado Ekiti. The commission called for collaboration among electoral authorities, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure credible and peaceful elections on June 20, 2026.
What we know
- The National Peace Commission warned against vote-buying and insecurity ahead of the Ekiti governorship election on June 20, 2026.
- Asabe Ndahi emphasized conflict prevention and the need for evidence-based interventions and peace advocacy.
- Esrom Ajanya noted that vote-buying has normalized transactional politics and contributed to declining voter turnout, which dropped from above 50% in 2014 to below 37% in 2022.
- Deborah Obafemi reported eight security incidents across six local government areas between August 2025 and January 2026, resulting in two deaths, though none were directly election-related.
- Stakeholders at the forum stressed responsible political behavior, conflict-sensitive media reporting, and sustained civic education as essential for peaceful elections.
