The Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), Justice Cornelius Akintayo, has affirmed that the commission is fully prepared to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible local government elections in the state.
Speaking on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during a stakeholders’ meeting, Akintayo said all necessary measures had been put in place to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. He urged election stakeholders to cooperate with the commission for a smooth exercise scheduled for December 12, 2026.
The meeting included representatives from political parties, the police, National Orientation Agency, Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among others.
The elections will cover positions of chairmen and councillors in the state’s local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs), whose current tenure expires in December.
Akintayo stated, “EKSIEC is prepared for the conduct of credible and fair local government elections billed for December 12. The commission is determined to deliver elections that will be transparent, accountable, and free from violence. Stakeholders are urged to show commitment and dedication to democracy. Local government elections are crucial because they bring governance closer to the grassroots.”
He also called on all registered political parties to actively participate by fielding candidates and conducting their primaries in accordance with the law. Akintayo encouraged eligible residents to register and collect their voter cards, adding that massive sensitisation and mobilisation would be carried out across the state to ensure widespread awareness and participation.
Community leaders, government officials, and religious leaders were urged to educate residents on the importance of voting, described as a fundamental civic responsibility.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, highlighted the critical role of local government elections in effective grassroots governance and assured EKSIEC and residents that the police would provide adequate security before, during, and after the elections.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), urged residents to actively participate, describing Ekiti as one of the safest states in the country. He assured that security agencies would work around the clock to maintain peace throughout the election period.
EKSIEC remains committed to ensuring that the December 12 polls reflect the will of the people and strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Elijah Adeyemi
