Concerns have emerged over the level of preparedness for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, as stakeholders warned that existing operational and security challenges could affect the credibility of the poll if not urgently addressed.
The concerns were raised on Monday during a media briefing in Ado Ekiti by groups participating in the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two (EU-SDGN II) programme.
Presenting a pre-election assessment report, the Election Observation Hub disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had attained only 34 per cent preparedness across its 16 local government offices in Ekiti State as of April 14, 2026.
The report identified delayed funding, poor infrastructure, inadequate operational vehicles and issues relating to collation centres as some of the key challenges facing the electoral body ahead of the election.
The organisations also warned against the dangers of vote buying, political thuggery, misinformation and the possible militarisation of election security during the governorship poll.
According to the report, Ado Ekiti, Ikole, Moba and Ilejemeje local government areas were classified as high-risk zones, while Efon, Ikere and Oye local government areas were listed as medium-risk areas.
The groups further expressed concern over the low participation of women and persons with disabilities in the electoral process, noting that none of the 13 political parties contesting the election fielded a female governorship candidate.
They called on INEC to improve its level of preparedness, strengthen the BVAS and IReV systems and intensify voter education ahead of the election.
The report was jointly signed by CEMESO, ElectHER, IPC, NWTF, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa.
