Police have clarified that the violence in Isan-Ekiti, which included an attack on a police station, was unrelated to the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. The incident stemmed from a community football match, according to the police commissioner for the election, Abayomi Shogunle.
Police Link Ekiti Violence to Football
In a statement on Saturday, June 20, Shogunle explained that the late-night violence on Friday, June 19, was not politically motivated. He assured residents that voting would proceed as planned across the state.
“The incident at Isan-Ekiti last night is non-election/political related. It was as a result of a football match in the community,” Shogunle said via X (formerly Twitter).
He added that efforts were ongoing to de-escalate tensions and restore calm, with voting scheduled to go ahead in the town on Saturday morning.
Background of the Incident
Isan-Ekiti, located in Oye Local Government Area, experienced violence late Friday, including an attack on a police station, raising concerns ahead of the governorship election. However, police have dismissed any link to the electoral process.
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity in Ekiti State, where candidates are vying for the governorship seat. The election is being closely watched, with analysts predicting a victory for incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Public affairs analyst Donald Okwuosa earlier stated that Oyebanji is likely to win a second term due to incumbency, sentiment factors, and Ekiti being an APC stronghold.
Police have urged residents to remain calm and continue with their civic duties, assuring that security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful election.
