Nigerian Air Force Airlifts Materials for Ekiti State Election

The Nigerian Air Force airlifted sensitive electoral materials between June 15 and 16, 2026, to support the Ekiti State governorship election and several by-elections scheduled for June 20. Acting on a request from the Independent National Electoral Commission, the military transported materials from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers, and Kano states.

The operation supported the Ekiti governorship poll, senatorial by-elections in Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South East, and federal constituency by-elections in Kano and Kebbi. Following the airlift, the Independent National Electoral Commission began distributing ballot papers and result sheets on Thursday from the Central Bank of Nigeria premises in Ado-Ekiti to 16 local government areas.

The Ekiti governorship election features 13 political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress, which is fielding Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term, and the Peoples Democratic Party, fielding Oluwole Oluyede. Security agencies have increased deployments across the state to ensure credibility. Governor Oyebanji has called for peaceful conduct, noting that the current electioneering period has been the most peaceful in the state's history.