Thirteen political parties contesting the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State signed a peace accord on Thursday, pledging to refrain from violence before, during, and after the poll. The agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was attended by security agencies and political stakeholders.
Among the signatories was the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, who reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace in the state. He urged supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
INEC Chairman Calls for Practical Adherence
Speaking at the event, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan warned political parties against violence and electoral misconduct. He stressed that the peace accord must go beyond a ceremonial signing and be put into practice. Amupitan noted that Ekiti has long been recognized for political awareness and relative calm during elections, and stakeholders must ensure that reputation is upheld in the upcoming poll.
He emphasized that following the successful containment of pre-election anxieties during the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election in November 2025, the commission is determined to replicate that mechanism for the Ekiti election. Amupitan disclosed that INEC requested the NPC to extend the peace accord signing to off-cycle gubernatorial polls after recognizing that electoral friction is not limited to federal contests. Since the first such devolution in Edo State in September 2020, the commission has institutionalized the practice across multiple states.
“Time and experience have proven that where political leaders honour their commitments, the peace on paper translates directly to safety on the streets,” Amupitan said. “Today, as 13 political parties prepare to enter the field in Ekiti, we are reminded that this document is not a mere bureaucratic formality; it is a moral treaty signed before the citizens of this state and the global community.”
He added that the peace accord should not just be on paper but must be practised. Ekiti has been known for political awareness and peaceful conduct and should replicate that during this election.
INEC Intensifies Preparations
Amupitan disclosed that INEC has intensified preparations for the election across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 registration areas, and 2,445 polling units, with over one million registered voters expected to participate. The commission has begun logistics deployment and stakeholder engagement, including security agencies and transport providers, to ensure a smooth exercise. He noted that 54 media organizations and 470 journalists have been accredited to cover the poll, alongside 96 domestic and two international observer groups.
Police Warn Against Violence
Also speaking, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu warned against violence, voter intimidation, and other electoral offences. He said security agencies are fully prepared to ensure a safe environment for the election. Disu stated that the Nigeria Police Force, working with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, has developed comprehensive deployment plans covering all polling units across the state.
He assured that personnel will remain professional, impartial, and committed to protecting voters, electoral officials, and observers throughout the process. Disu urged political actors to ensure their supporters adhere strictly to the spirit of the peace accord, warning that any attempt to subvert the electoral process would be met with firm action.
Peace Committee Urges Prioritization of Peace
Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by Martin Agwai, said the peace accord represents a collective commitment to credible and violence-free elections. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace over political ambition, noting that elections should not be won at the expense of lives or national stability. “Peace is a shared responsibility and democracy can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
