Stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process have called for stronger and more decisive measures to tackle vote buying and electoral violence ahead of the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, warning that both threats could undermine the credibility of the poll.
The call was made at a policy dialogue convened by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) and interprete Africa in Ado Ekiti on Monday, with participants drawn from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, traditional and religious leaders.
The stakeholders stressed that beyond preparations, the integrity of the election would largely depend on the ability of institutions to deter inducement of voters and ensure a violence-free environment before, during, and after the poll.
In his welcome address, Executive Director of PAACA, Ezenwa Nwagwu said the dialogue was coming at a critical moment in Ekiti State’s democratic journey, noting that insights from a recent public opinion survey provide clear evidence of citizens’ expectations ahead of the governorship election.
According to him, the data from the survey showed that security was the most pressing issue for Ekiti citizens, with about 70 per cent of respondents identifying it as a top priority.
While a majority indicated willingness to participate in the election, he noted that 57 per cent expressed concerns about election-related violence, warning that fear could significantly affect voter turnout if not addressed decisively.
The PAACA boss also pointed to a widening gap in voter participation between older and younger citizens, explaining that while older voters show stronger turnout tendencies, many young people remain less engaged despite their active presence online.
He emphasised that beyond logistics, sustained voter education is critical, adding that political actors must also shift towards issue-based campaigns that address citizens’ priorities such as security, jobs, and infrastructure.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said INEC is scaling up efforts to address electoral offences and promote compliance with the Electoral Act.
He identified vote buying, multiple voting, political violence, misinformation, and destruction of electoral materials as major threats to credible elections.
“The credibility of any election depends not only on efficient administration but also on strict adherence to the rule of law by all stakeholders,” he said, adding that political actors, security agencies, and citizens all have responsibilities in safeguarding the process.
Omoseyindemi disclosed that INEC is expanding voter education and stakeholder engagement across all local government areas, while also strengthening collaboration with security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, and enforcement against electoral offences.
He added that the commission is enhancing the deployment of technology to improve transparency in voter accreditation and result management, while continuing to engage political parties on peaceful campaigns and compliance with campaign finance regulations.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Shola J. Omotola, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor and Professor of Comparative Politics at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, warned that electoral offences continue to pose a major threat to Nigeria’s democratic process, stressing that their consequences extend far beyond election day.
Speaking on “Electoral Offences, Consequences Management and Peaceful Governorship Election,” Omotola said any breach of electoral rules at whatever level, undermines the core elements of credible elections, including participation, competition, and legitimacy.
He added that such violations hamper effective electoral administration, erode electoral integrity, compromise election security, and ultimately weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
He described consequence management as a critical but often neglected aspect of the electoral process, explaining that it involves preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the effects of electoral offences, with the aim of minimising damage, restoring normalcy, and ensuring accountability.
According to him, electoral offences remain an “old and longstanding challenge, yet no solution in sight,” noting that many violations identified as far back as the 1983 general elections “remain relevant till today.”
He attributed this persistence to “weak consequence management,” including poor official responses, few prosecutions, fewer convictions, and a lack of deterrence driven by weak institutional capacity and corruption.
Omotola emphasised that effective consequence management requires strong and resilient institutions, adding that responsibility for prosecuting electoral offenders lies primarily with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, with support from the judiciary, political parties, anti-graft agencies, civil society organisations, and the media.
He stressed the need for coordinated action among these actors to ensure accountability and safeguard electoral integrity.
In her presentation titled “Imperative of Peaceful Conduct of the Ekiti Governorship Election and the Role of Stakeholders,” Prof. Ibiyinka Ogunlade, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, emphasised that tackling electoral malpractice requires collective responsibility and sustained civic engagement.
According to her, a peaceful election will among other things strength democratic value, encourage youth participation and boost food security.
She noted that civil society organisations must intensify election monitoring and voter enlightenment, while youths and students should resist manipulation and use social media responsibly.
According to her, women groups also have a role in promoting peace and non-violence at the community level, while the electorate must reject vote buying and uphold democratic principles.
Prof Ogunlade highlighted lessons from previous elections in the state, stressing that transparency, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous civic education are critical to building trust in the electoral process.
She also called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws, sanctions against perpetrators of violence, increased youth engagement, and a shift towards issue-based political campaigns.
She said, “Peace is not merely a political requirement; it is a developmental necessity just as food is the pivot upon which heaith, education, technology and societal wellbeing rest.”
The Ekiti State Coordinator of the NOA, Akomolede Fumilayo Oluwakemi, in her goodwill message said the agency has intensified public sensitisation ahead of the governorship election, stressing its commitment to voter education and civic responsibility.
She noted that the NOA, in line with its mandate, has been engaging communities across the state to “sensitise, educate and enlighten citizens on government policies and programmes,” adding that residents have been reminded that they are critical stakeholders in the electoral process.
The NOA cordinator also raised concerns about voter apathy, urging eligible voters to come out en masse to participate in the election. She said citizens must “exercise their democratic rights by voting for candidates of their choice,” describing participation as key to strengthening democracy.
Charging young people to play a positive role, she warned against involvement in electoral malpractice and violence. “Our message to the youths is to shun electoral violence and vote according to your conscience,” she said, while also calling on parents not to allow their children to be used as political thugs before, during, and after the election.
She further urged the media to ensure accurate and responsible reporting throughout the electoral period, adding that while security agencies have assured of adequate safety, citizens must also remain vigilant and security conscious.
Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado Ogoga of Iķere Ekiti in his goodwill commended the gathering, assuring that Traditional leaders will continue to sensitise citizens at the rural level to shun violence and participate during the elections.
