Adebayo Adenrele
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised fresh concerns over the persistent threat of vote buying ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, identified vote trading and undue financial inducement as major risks that could undermine the credibility of the election if not effectively addressed.
He noted that Ekiti has a history of covert vote buying near polling units, often facilitated through hidden arrangements designed to evade detection.
The INEC REC said the commission has developed a multi-layered strategy involving the deployment of security personnel not only within polling units but also around their perimeters to deter illicit financial transactions.
The Commissioner also disclosed ongoing collaboration with anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to monitor and prosecute electoral offenders engaged in vote buying.
Omoseyindemi further revealed that restrictions on movement would be enforced on election day to limit the logistics that enable vote trading, while intensified voter education campaigns would emphasize ballot secrecy and the legal consequences of electoral offences.
He stressed that voter enlightenment remains critical in discouraging citizens from selling their votes, describing participatory democracy as essential for sustainable development.
While reaffirming INEC’s readiness, the REC called on political actors to avoid actions capable of compromising the integrity of the election.
He urged voters to resist inducement and exercise their civic responsibility freely, emphasizing that the credibility of the electoral process ultimately depends on the collective commitment of stakeholders to uphold democratic values.
His words, “As a very proactive organization we have been able to do a risk assessment in preparation for this election. In our assessment, certain contextual and historical factors in Ekiti State require proactive attention.
“The Commission, in collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders, has identified the following risk areas and corresponding mitigation strategies:
“Vote Buying and Undue Influence: Ekiti has previously recorded incidents of vote trading at polling units, often occurring in covert locations near voting areas.
“Mitigation Measures: Deployment of security personnel strategically positioned around polling units, not just within them.
“Collaboration with EFCC and ICPC to monitor and deter financial inducement: Restriction of movement on election day to limit inducement logistics; Intensive voter education emphasizing ballot secrecy and electoral offences.
“Political Thuggery and Intimidation: Isolated cases of youth mobilization for intimidation, especially in politically competitive LGAs such as Ado, Ikere, and Oye.
“Mitigation Measures: Deployment of security personnel, including rapid response teams; Identification of flashpoints and pre-deployment of security assets.
“Enforcement of no-campaign rule on election day. Close monitoring of political actors and their supporters.
“Terrain and Hard-to-Reach Communities: The remote and hard to reach areas such as Ilejeme, Ise/Orun, and Moba LGAs may pose logistical challenges.
“Mitigation Measures:;Early deployment of materials to Registration Area Centres (RACs)
“Use of motorcycles for last-mile delivery: Engagement of local guides to support movement and access”We urge Voters to come out peacefully and vote on election day; Political parties to adhere strictly to the rules and avoid inflammatory rhetoric”.
