The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the support of traditional rulers in Ekiti State to ensure peace before, during and after the June 20 Ekiti governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made the call on Thursday in Ado Ekiti at a stakeholders’ meeting with monarchs, stressing the critical role of the traditional institution in promoting peace and unity.
Omoseyindemi said the voices of traditional rulers carry weight in their communities and across the state, adding that their commitment had continued to strengthen democratic governance
INEC has begun early and comprehensive planning to promote informed participation and ensure the Ekiti election is free, fair, credible and inclusive, conducted in a peaceful and conducive environment, well secured and in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the Electoral Act 2022 as amended,” he said.
The REC said the commission had engaged political parties as part of preparations.
“We have held meetings with the political parties and we have been able to give them the guidelines on participation and the code of conduct during the campaign.
“We are fully committed to learning from past experience and improving our process to meet the expectations of the people of Ekiti,” Omoseyindemi said.
He described peaceful elections as a shared responsibility, urging continued support from traditional rulers.
The success of elections in our state is a shared responsibility. We count on your continuous support in promoting peace, discouraging violence, urging compliance with electoral laws, and fostering unity before, during, and after elections.
“As fathers of the land, your guardians will be instrumental in ensuring that Ekiti remains a model of peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria,” he said.
Omoseyindemi also sought the monarchs’ backing for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, noting that their endorsement would boost participation.
“Your voices carry weight and your endorsement will significantly enhance public confidence and turnout,” he said.
He explained that the CVR was designed to include new voters and update existing records.
“The CVR exercise is aimed at ensuring that all eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who were previously unable to register, have the opportunity to be included in the national register of voters.
