Ekiti Governorship election 2026 preparations intensify as INEC distributes sensitive materials and confirms over one million registered voters

Preparations for the Ekiti Governorship Election 2026 reached a critical stage on Thursday as the Independent National Electoral Commission began the distribution of sensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Ado Ekiti.

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The exercise marked a key logistical milestone ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll, alongside senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections scheduled for June 20, 2026.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were observed sorting and packaging election materials before their deployment to the 16 local government areas of the state.

The process took place under tight security, with police officers and other security operatives stationed at strategic points within and around the CBN premises to ensure order and safeguard the electoral materials.

The Ekiti Governorship Election 2026 preparations also saw intensified coordination between electoral officials and security agencies as distribution activities progressed smoothly without reported disruptions.

Speaking on the exercise, Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the distribution process, describing it as hitch-free and well-coordinated.

He assured stakeholders that all sensitive materials would be delivered promptly to their respective destinations in readiness for the commencement of voting.

Meanwhile, INEC confirmed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State has now surpassed the one million mark ahead of the election.

According to figures released by the commission, voter registration increased from 987,647 recorded during the 2023 election cycle to 1,059,360 for the upcoming governorship contest.

The commission also reported a significant rise in the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, reflecting increased voter preparedness ahead of the polls.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that PVC collection rose from 958,052 in 2023 to 1,028,929 in 2026, representing a collection rate of about 97 per cent.

According to INEC, this level of participation underscores strong voter engagement in the state ahead of the Ekiti Governorship Election 2026.

The commission also confirmed the conclusion of the PVC collection exercise following an extension granted after consultations with political parties and stakeholders in Ado Ekiti.

Initially scheduled to end on June 11, the exercise was extended to June 14 to accommodate additional eligible voters seeking to collect their cards.

INEC further disclosed that 14,406 applications were received for replacement voter cards due to loss, damage or defacement, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission stated that all approved replacement cards had been produced, with most already collected by affected voters.

However, INEC noted that plans to introduce digital voter card replacement options could not be implemented for the current election cycle due to incomplete technological infrastructure.

It added that the innovation would be introduced in future elections, including the Osun Governorship Election in August 2026 and the 2027 general elections.

As the Ekiti Governorship Election 2026 draws closer, electoral authorities have urged voters to adhere to guidelines and participate peacefully in what is expected to be a closely watched political contest.

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Security agencies have also assured residents of adequate protection before, during and after the election to ensure a credible and orderly process.