INEC Flags Vote Buying, Thuggery Ahead of Po

The Independent National Electoral Commission has raised concerns over vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, and other logistical challenges ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

In a post obtained from INEC’s X handle on Friday, the warning was issued during a readiness assessment meeting in Ado-Ekiti involving electoral officials, security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, and other key stakeholders reviewing preparations for the poll.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said INEC had intensified efforts to strengthen the electoral process but noted that several risks could undermine a credible election.

“Vote buying, political thuggery, fake news, transportation difficulties, and insecurity in hard-to-reach communities remain key threats to the electoral process,” he said.

He explained that INEC had scaled up voter education, improved logistics planning, trained election personnel, and engaged political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to enhance preparedness.

“We have strengthened voter education, logistics planning, training of election personnel, and engagements with stakeholders to guarantee a successful election,” he added.

Omoseyindemi stressed that collaboration among electoral and security stakeholders would be crucial in addressing potential disruptions and maintaining public confidence in the process.

Also speaking at the meeting, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Micheal, assured that security agencies were fully prepared to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

He emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation, warning against any conduct capable of undermining the process.

“We are fully committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election,” he said, adding that misinformation, violence, and electoral malpractice would not be tolerated.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment from INEC and security agencies to strengthen coordination and ensure a credible, peaceful, and transparent governorship election in Ekiti State.