The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 98 organisations to observe the Ekiti State governorship election slated for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, disclosed that the accredited groups include 96 domestic and two international observers.
She explained that the organisations represent a wide range of civil society bodies, professional associations, and institutions with expertise spanning election monitoring, governance, human rights, gender advocacy, youth engagement, and peacebuilding.
Among the prominent domestic observers listed are the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa, Yiaga Africa, CLEEN Foundation, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Nigerian Bar Association, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, and Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigeria.
“The presence of accredited observers is in line with the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” the statement said.
INEC emphasised that observer groups contribute significantly to building public trust by independently evaluating electoral procedures and outcomes.
It urged all accredited bodies to comply fully with established guidelines and maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the exercise.
The commission provided an extensive list of the approved domestic organisations, covering numerous advocacy groups, development-focused initiatives, and civic engagement platforms across the country.
It also confirmed that the two foreign observer groups are AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria and Nouvel Perspective.
INEC reaffirmed its preparedness for the Ekiti poll, assuring stakeholders of its determination to deliver a credible and transparent election.
In a separate development, the commission announced that the third and final phase of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin on Monday, May 11, 2026, and conclude on Friday, July 10, 2026.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
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He noted that the second phase of the CVR was suspended on April 17, 2026, following the publication of the voters’ register for claims and objections, a process aimed at sanitising the database.
Haruna said the resumption offers another opportunity for eligible Nigerians—particularly those who have recently turned 18 or missed earlier registration periods—to enroll.
He also encouraged registered voters seeking to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, or update their personal details to take advantage of the exercise.
These services, he added, are available through INEC’s online portal and at its offices across states and local government areas.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the display of the voters’ register for claims and objections is scheduled to take place from July 23 to July 29, 2026, describing it as a vital step toward ensuring the register’s accuracy and credibility.
“The Commission reassures Nigerians that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the exercise,” the statement read.
He called on all eligible citizens to participate actively, stressing that widespread involvement is key to strengthening the country’s electoral system.