As preparations gather momentum for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held a high-level implementation meeting to strengthen voter education, publicity, and inclusivity strategies across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the engagement as timely and strategic, stressing that voter education remains central to a credible electoral process.
She highlighted key priorities, including improving voter awareness, combating misinformation and fake news, encouraging peaceful participation, and building public confidence in the electoral system.
Omoseyindemi underscored the need to expand outreach to rural communities, first-time voters, and underserved areas across all local government areas. She also called for concerted efforts to address voter apathy and curb vote-buying.
She noted that inclusive participation is essential to democracy, urging stakeholders to ensure that women, youths, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalized groups are not left out of the electoral process.
The REC also pointed to Ekiti-specific concerns such as misinformation, politically driven narratives, and security challenges in flashpoint areas, calling for collaborative action to ensure a peaceful poll.
In a goodwill message, the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akomolede, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to partnering with INEC to promote peace throughout the election period.
She disclosed that voter sensitization campaigns are ongoing across local governments through radio and television programmes.
Akomolede further emphasized the importance of validating the voter register, citing concerns over outdated records. She urged civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media to intensify civic education, verify information before dissemination, and discourage voter apathy and the spread of fake news. She also encouraged greater participation of women, youths, and PWDs, not only as voters but as candidates.
Earlier, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, explained that the meeting was jointly organized with the Gender and Inclusivity Department to harmonize strategies ahead of the election.
She said the initiative is designed to enhance public awareness, drive meaningful participation, and ensure no community is left behind.
Also speaking, the Director of Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs. Lakunuya Dorothy, stressed the need for equal opportunities for all eligible voters, regardless of gender, age, or physical ability. She called for proactive measures to address accessibility barriers and sociocultural constraints.
The meeting featured technical sessions led by various division heads, focusing on voter education, publicity, gender inclusion, and stakeholder engagement.
Presentations were delivered by the Deputy Director of Voter Education, Mrs. Iwenjiora Paula; Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah; and Deputy Director of Graphics, Library and Documentation, Mrs. Perpetual Aligwara.
In the gender and inclusivity session, Deputy Director for Gender, Mrs. Akaayar Henbabom, outlined gender-focused initiatives, while Deputy Director for Inclusivity, Mrs. Perpetual Wanna, detailed plans to boost participation among marginalized groups. The Deputy Director for Civil Society Organisations, Mrs. Idowu Olayemi, also presented engagement frameworks with civil society ahead of the poll.
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