By Anthony Olajide
Stakeholders in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have called for peaceful conduct, increased voter turnout and active participation in the forthcoming Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections scheduled for December 12, 2026.
The call was made during a sensitization meeting organized by the electoral commission at the Secretariat Hall, Ikere-Ekiti.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers and their representatives, political party leaders, security personnel, market leaders, community representatives and other critical stakeholders.
The meeting was aimed at educating residents on the importance of participating in the electoral process, promoting peaceful coexistence, encouraging voter turnout, and reassuring political parties and the electorate of the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and transparent election.
The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Justice Cornelius Akintayo (Rtd), represented by the Secretary, Barrister Adeboyega Morakinyoband the Director of Logistics and Field Services, Vincent Jegede.
The sensitization exercise began with a drama presentation designed to educate participants on the electoral process and the need for peaceful participation. The commission subsequently emphasized the applicable electoral requirements for declaring a winner, including the requirement to secure at least 25 per cent of the total votes cast, as provided under the relevant electoral law.
The commission also urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and vote for candidates of their choice. It stressed that passive participation in the electoral process was undesirable, noting that the success of the forthcoming election depended on the collective involvement of voters, political parties, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Speaking on security arrangements, the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Aware Isaac, assured participants that the Nigeria Police Force would provide adequate security before, during, and after the election.
He warned that anyone who attempted to disrupt the electoral process, perpetrate violence, or cause a breach of public peace would be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Olukere of Ikere Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Ganiyu Obasanyin, also appealed to residents to maintain peace and unity before, during, and after the election.
He emphasized that political differences should not divide the people of Ikere-Ekiti, urging residents to see themselves as members of one family regardless of their political affiliations or the candidates they supported.
He noted that Ikere-Ekiti must remain united irrespective of the outcome of the election, stressing that there should be no lasting division between winners and losers.
The traditional institution also expressed concern over the community’s voter turnout in a previous election, recalling that Ikere-Ekiti, despite its population and voting strength, reportedly ranked low in voter turnout percentage.
Consequently, the representative urged community leaders to intensify voter mobilization by reaching out to residents through their various communities, churches, mosques, associations, and other social organizations to encourage greater participation in the December 12 election.
Similarly, the Ogoga of Ikere,His Royal Majesty Adejimi Adu, called for active voter participation, peace, and transparency throughout the electoral process. He stressed the need for residents to protect the unity of the community and ensure that the election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Political party representatives also expressed their positions on the forthcoming poll.
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikere Local Government expressed confidence in his party’s preparedness for the election, declaring that the party was ready to participate without fear or expectation of special favours from the commission.
He maintained that the APC was prepared to participate in a peaceful electoral contest at any time.
However, the representative of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressed reservations about the perceived independence of the electoral commission, raising concerns that the state government might exert pressure on the commission to favour the APC.
In response, the commission’s Executive Secretary, Barrister Adeboyega Morakinyo, reaffirmed the commission’s independence, assuring participants that its electoral responsibilities would not be compromised by political interference.
He explained that the commission operated independently and that neither the governor, the deputy governor, nor any other government official could dictate the outcome of an election or interfere with the commission’s statutory responsibilities.
Morakinyo assured political parties and other stakeholders that the commission remained committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, and transparent election.
Market leaders, including the Iyaloja and Iyalaje, alongside other community representatives, also supported the call for a peaceful electoral process and pledged their commitment to promoting peace and encouraging residents to participate in the election.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Squadron Leader Olu Adamolekun, commended the commission for organizing the sensitization meeting.
He particularly praised the Electoral Officer, Mr. Anthony Olajide Ajayi, for what he described as his professionalism, responsibility, and willingness to listen to stakeholders.
Adamolekun noted that the Electoral Officer’s conduct demonstrated a commitment to effective electoral administration and encouraged him to sustain his record of professionalism in the discharge of his duties.
In his vote of thanks, the Electoral Officer, Mr. Anthony Olajide Ajayi, appreciated all participants for their attendance, contributions, and support for the sensitization exercise, with a collective appeal for peaceful conduct, increased voter participation, political tolerance, and respect for the electoral process ahead of the December 12, 2026, Local Government and LCDA elections.
The stakeholders expressed the hope that continued collaboration among the electoral commission, security agencies, political parties, traditional institutions, and community leaders would contribute to a peaceful and credible election in Ikere-Ekiti.
