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Ekiti Governorship Election: NPC Warns Against Vote-Buying and Violence

By Elizabeth Ugbo

Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – February 23, 2026 – The National Peace Committee (NPC) yesterday raised concerns over how vote-buying, insecurity, and electoral violence could undermine the legitimacy of Ekiti State’s governorship election. The warning came during a three-day Stakeholders’ Validation Forum organized by the NPC through its secretariat, the Kukah Centre.


European Union Supports Election Risk Assessment

Esrom Ajanya, Senior Programme Manager at the Kukah Centre, explained that the forum, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen local ownership of electoral risk assessments. It also generates practical recommendations for preventing election-related violence.

“The process includes monitoring the electoral environment and analyzing security dynamics through the Election Security Information Hub,” Ajanya said.


Election Security Information Hub Guides NPC Actions

The Election Security Information Hub provides a context analysis of political situations in Ekiti. It helps the NPC engage stakeholders across the electoral value chain.

Ajanya added, “We are building a context analysis to guide the National Peace Committee in engaging stakeholders at various levels of the electoral process.”


Procedural Compliance vs. Political Substance

One key issue highlighted is procedural compliance versus political substance. According to Ajanya, ticking boxes on electoral milestones is not enough.

“The substance of what is being achieved must align with democratic principles,” he said. “This includes assessing how insecurity and grassroots engagement could affect the elections.”


Campaign Period Monitoring

The NPC is currently monitoring participation levels and the quality of engagement during the campaign period. Ajanya stressed the importance of issue-based campaigns over vote-buying and intimidation.

“Our goal is to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election on June 20, 2026,” he concluded.

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