The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct free, fair and credible local government elections scheduled for December 12, 2026.
Chairman of the commission, Justice Cornelius Akintayo, gave the assurance on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting attended by representatives of political parties, security agencies and electoral institutions.
Akintayo said EKSIEC had put all necessary mechanisms in place to strengthen public trust in the electoral process, stressing that the commission was committed to delivering transparent, peaceful and violence-free polls.
He called on political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to work closely with the commission to ensure a smooth exercise, describing local government elections as a critical component of grassroots democracy.
“Local governments are closest to the people, and these elections must be taken seriously. Stakeholders and residents alike must participate actively to deepen democratic governance,” he said.
The EKSIEC chairman urged registered political parties to fully participate by fielding candidates and conducting their primaries in accordance with the law.
He also encouraged eligible voters to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards, noting that the commission would embark on extensive sensitisation campaigns across the state.
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Akintayo further appealed to community, religious and government leaders to educate residents on the importance of voting, describing it as a fundamental civic duty.
Speaking at the meeting, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the elections. He said the police would work professionally to guarantee a peaceful and orderly process.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), urged residents to actively participate in the polls, assuring that Ekiti would remain safe throughout the election period.
The tenure of the current chairmen and councillors in the state’s local governments and local council development areas is expected to expire in December, necessitating the forthcoming elections.