- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
As the 2026 June 20 gubernatorial elections gathers momentum in Ekiti State, the Peering Advocacy And Advancement Center In Africa And Interpreting Africa (PAACA), have warned election offenders in the state to do away with any act that can truncate the coming election.
PAACA, who organized training in Ado-Ekiti on Monday for the election stakeholders in the state with the theme: “Electoral Offences, Consequences Management And Peaceful Governorship Election in Ekiti State” was well attended.
Speaking in his key note address, the guest speaker, Professor Shola Omotola from Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), disclosed that it became imperative to know that candidates of each political parties participating in the coming election should know and effectively put to practice to manage themselves and their followers before, during and after the election so as not to do contrary against the electoral law meant for this period.
Another resource persons, Professor Ibiyemi Ogundele who spoke on on the topic: “Imperative Of Peaceful Conduct Of The Ekiti Governorship Election And The Role Of Stakeholders”, said it is to acquire more knowledge on how important a peaceful environment will guaranteed food security especially during elections.
“Peace and political stability are indispensable to sustainable national development; Food security also remains an essential ingredient for the well-being and suvival of our society.
“Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the peaceful conduct of elections and the effectiveness of food distribution systems, economic stability, and the overall well-being of the people,” Ogunlade submitted.
Commenting at the event, the National Electoral Commission (INCE) in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi thanked the organizers of the event. He appealed to the participants to take home all the necessary points and disseminate same to all the appropriate quarters as the state approach another season of gubernatorial elections in Ekiti.
The Commissioner who described Ekiti State as one of the most peaceful state in the country he has ever worked, said the engagement is timely and critical as we approach the election and is highly imperative that all stakeholders’ especially political parties and their candidates fully understand their obligations regarding electoral offences, consequences, management and peaceful governorship election.
Omoseyindemi highlighted further that political parties and their followers should do away with thuggery especially during elections, adding that been a law abiding citizen are not optional, but fundamental pillars of credible elections and democratic integrity.
He noted that the commission has introduced as a technology-driven measures to simplify, standardize and strengthen compliance with the the electoral law, noting further that through this system, political parties are expected to do all that is necessary, timely and verifiable reports in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines.
He said further that peace and security of lives and properties are very essential in any credible and acceptable elections because it builds public trust.
In his submission, the Chairman of Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State who also doubled as the Ogoga of Ilere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado observed that no one has been taken as a scapegoat no brought to book, and this act contribute to the increase in numbers of the electoral offenders.
The monarch maintained that anyone or candidate that, “knowingly acts in contravention of the electoral laws should be dealt with and face the music. Let’s the law take its cause on anyone caught in the web of commiting an offence that is liable on conviction to a fine of any offence committed so as to serve as a deterrent to others”.
Earlier his welcome address while declaring the event open, the Executive Director Peering Advocacy And Advancement Center in Africa, Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu maintained that all concern stakeholders is involved and have roles to play in delivering credible and acceptable election.
“Nobody is excepted this time around. All stakeholders needs to be talk to so that anyone caught violate or disrupt the success of any would be prosecuted accordingly”.
It is a known fact that election violation is not just today, it is an old practices, yet we have to take the bull by the horn so as to avert any electoral offences of violent and pay more attention to it in order to nip it in the bud.
“Our goal is not punitive, it is preventive. This workshop section is part of our broader effort to guide and support INEC towards a total and full compliance to ensure acceptable polls. PAACA is designed to make this process easier, but compliance rests with you. Non compliance will attract sanctions,” he concluded.
Dignitaries at the event include, Ekiti State Chairman of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; the Ogoga of Ilere-Ekiti, Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti; HRM Oba Ilori Faboro, Oba Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Ekiti, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, Chairman Christians Association (CAN) in Ekiti State, Rev. Dr. Adeyinka Aribasoye, Police CP, media practitioners, NOA, Youth leaders, CSO’s, representatives of other paramilitary officers in Ekiti State and the host of others.
