By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, 13 political parties contesting the poll have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to ensuring lasting peace before, during, and after the election.
Among those who signed the peace accord on Thursday was the incumbent governor of the state and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji. He pledged the commitment of the people of the state to sustaining peace.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, at the signing ceremony, admonished the parties to practise what they signed ahead of the election.
Amupitan stressed that the peace accord should not remain only on paper but must be put into practice, adding that Ekiti has long been known for political awareness and peaceful conduct and should replicate the same during the election.
He, however, commended the National Peace Committee for its enduring custodianship of democratic stability in Nigeria, stressing that its tireless efforts in bringing political actors together under a unified framework of non-violence continue to shield democracy from structural discord.
He noted that, following the successful containment of pre-election tensions during the Anambra State Governorship Election in November 2025, the commission is determined to replicate the same mechanism ahead of the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
He disclosed that when the commission recognised that electoral tensions were not limited to federal contests, it requested the NPC to extend the signing of peace accords to off-cycle governorship elections. Since that maiden exercise in Edo State in September 2020, the commission, he said, has successfully institutionalised the process across several states.
According to him, “Time and experience have proven that where political leaders honour their commitments, the peace on paper translates directly to safety on the streets. Today, as 13 political parties prepare to enter the field in Ekiti, we are reminded that this document is not a mere bureaucratic formality; it is a moral treaty signed before the citizens of this state and the global community.
“For the Commission, our commitment to the letters of this accord is reflected in our advanced level of operational readiness. Our deployment will cover 16 Local Government Areas, 177 Registration Areas, and 2,445 Polling Units.
“Only yesterday, the Certified True Copy of the harmonised voters’ register for Ekiti State to be used during the election was presented to the political parties. In all, 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to vote in the election.
“Across our upcoming off-cycle polls — specifically the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections, alongside imminent bye-elections in Nasarawa State, Enugu State, Rivers State, Ondo State, Kebbi State, and Kano State — the Commission is mobilising a highly disciplined corps of 52,446 NYSC members to serve as the operational frontline of our polling units.
“The Commission has equally taken deliberate steps to address operational challenges and ensure a smooth, credible election across the state. We have extensively engaged our officials, and we will do the same with transport providers and security agencies to fine-tune deployment arrangements for personnel and election materials across the 2,445 polling units, ward collation centres, local government collation centres, and ultimately, the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti.”
He disclosed that, as of Monday, May 18, 2026, a total of 54 media organisations and 470 accredited journalists had applied to cover the Ekiti election, with the numbers expected to rise before the accreditation portal closes on Sunday, June 7, 2026. He added that 96 domestic and two international observers had also been accredited to ensure transparency.
Prof. Amupitan emphasised that “INEC does not look for a particular outcome; we are interested only in a lawful process. We have refined our logistics, audited our technological frameworks, and strengthened result management channels to eliminate systemic vulnerabilities. However, institutional readiness cannot stand alone without political decorum.
“It is not the signatures written today that preserve democracy; it is the character of the leaders who hold the pen. If campaigns are characterised by incitement or subversion, the process is compromised long before the first ballot is cast.
“I urge all candidates to cascade the spirit of this peace accord down to their grassroots party structures. Let your followers understand that leadership won at the expense of human life and public trust is a hollow victory.
“Through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), robust and proactive measures have been institutionalised to guarantee safety across all 2,445 polling units. Let me reiterate that our stance against vote-buying, voter intimidation, and thuggery remains absolute.
“Any individual or group seeking to subvert the sovereign will of the Ekiti electorate will be met with the firm, unyielding hand of justice.
“The people of Ekiti State have historically preserved a legacy of intellect, honour, and civility. I call on you to protect that reputation. Let this election serve as a masterclass in democratic maturity and an encouraging prelude to our broader projections for the 2027 General Election, where our manpower requirements will scale to a massive 1.4 million ad hoc workforce.
“By signing this peace accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all stakeholders, but we are also sending a strong message to our citizens that democracy thrives when peace prevails. Each one of us has a role to play in this process, and I urge all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to the principles of this accord.
“Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and pursuit of common goals. Let us demonstrate to the world that Ekiti State remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values.”
Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the signing of the peace accord was not merely ceremonial but a collective commitment to peaceful, credible, free, and fair elections.
Represented by Martin Agwai, the former Nigerian leader said the peace accord represents the resolve of all stakeholders to promote issue-based campaigns, political tolerance, respect for the rule of law, and the rejection of violence, hate speech, and all forms of electoral misconduct.
He said, “Ekiti State is widely respected for its political awareness and democratic culture. It is therefore important that all political actors and supporters conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the election process to demonstrate that Ekiti is indeed a politically conscious state.
“As we approach the election, we must remember that no political ambition is worth the loss of lives or the destruction of peace in our communities.
“Elections will come and go, but the peace and unity of the state must endure. The National Peace Committee commends all stakeholders working to ensure peaceful elections in the state and urges political parties, candidates, and their supporters to abide not only by the letter but also by the spirit of the peace accord they are about to sign.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and democracy can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere. We, as members of the National Peace Committee, want to work with all parties and stakeholders to ensure democracy becomes stronger and firmer so that peace, development, and progress can flourish.”
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the signing of the peace accord serves as a strong reminder that elections should be a contest of ideas and service, not conflict and division.
According to the IGP, democracies thrive best in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.
“As security agencies, we recognise the enormous responsibility placed upon us to support the conduct of a peaceful, credible, and transparent election,” he said.
He assured that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, has made adequate security arrangements to ensure a safe environment before, during, and after the election.
According to him, comprehensive deployment plans have been concluded for all local governments, wards, and over 2,400 polling units across Ekiti State.
“Security personnel and operational assets will be strategically deployed to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officers, election observers, and all citizens participating in the democratic process.
“I wish to affirm that the Nigeria Police Force will remain professional, impartial, and fully committed to protecting democratic values throughout the electoral process. Our personnel have been adequately briefed on their responsibilities and rules of engagement and will discharge their duties with civility, firmness, and respect for the rights of every citizen.
“While security agencies will continue to play their part, peaceful elections also require the cooperation and sincerity of political actors, candidates, supporters, and indeed every stakeholder.
“I therefore urge all parties to uphold both the spirit and letter of this peace accord by conducting their activities peacefully and placing the interests of democracy and the people above every other consideration.
“To the good people of Ekiti, I encourage you to come out peacefully on election day and freely exercise your constitutional rights without fear of intimidation.“The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies remain fully prepared to provide the necessary security for a free, fair, and credible election.”
