INEC Begins Distribution of Sensitive Materials Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, marking the final phase of preparations for the closely watched poll.

The exercise began on Thursday at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Ado-Ekiti, where ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive materials were released for onward distribution to the state's 16 local government areas.

INEC officials, security personnel and representatives of political parties monitored the process as the electoral body moved to ensure the timely delivery of materials to designated locations before polling day.

The distribution of sensitive materials is regarded as one of the most critical stages of election preparation, as it guarantees that essential voting and collation materials reach polling and collation centres across the state ahead of the exercise.

The governorship election is expected to attract significant national attention, with political analysts viewing it as an important indicator of party strength in the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC has repeatedly assured voters, political parties and other stakeholders of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election.

The commencement of distribution comes amid renewed appeals for peaceful participation from political leaders and government officials.

In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged political actors, security agencies and voters to ensure the election remains peaceful.

“So far, this current political electioneering has been the most peaceful in the history of our state and we must do everything to ensure that the election and post-election activities remain peaceful,” the governor said.

Oyebanji noted that Ekiti State has built a reputation for conducting largely peaceful elections and called on residents to uphold the state’s democratic tradition by behaving responsibly before, during and after the poll.

Security agencies have also increased deployments across the state as part of efforts to prevent any breakdown of law and order and ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and election materials.

A total of 13 political parties are participating in the election, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other registered parties.

Governor Oyebanji is contesting on the APC platform, while the PDP has fielded Oluwole Oluyede as its candidate. Other parties have also intensified their final campaigns and voter engagement activities as the contest enters its closing stages.

Political observers say the outcome of the election will be closely scrutinised as both the ruling APC and opposition parties seek to demonstrate their electoral strength in one of the country's key off-cycle governorship elections.

INEC has urged all eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, assuring the public that adequate measures have been put in place to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

Voting is scheduled to take place across Ekiti State's 16 local government areas on Saturday.