Ekiti Governorship Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead of June 20 Election

Biodun Oyebanji and 11 opposing governorship candidates signed a peace accord in Ado-Ekiti on May 21, 2026, committing to reject violence, hate speech, and electoral misconduct ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election on June 20. The agreement, brokered by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre, binds all signatories to issue-based campaigning and peaceful conduct. Thirteen political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, endorsed the accord.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan confirmed that preparations for the poll are complete. Over one million registered voters across 16 local government areas and 2,445 polling units are eligible to participate. INEC is mobilizing 52,446 National Youth Service Corps members and has updated its logistics and technology systems. Amupitan warned against vote-buying and intimidation.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu guaranteed neutral security coverage across the state, announcing finalized deployment plans covering 16 local government areas, 154 wards, and over 2,400 polling units. The Nigeria Police Force, coordinating through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, has deployed personnel to protect voters and officials. Disu urged political actors to adhere to the accord and assured residents of professional, impartial policing.

Governor Oyebanji, seeking re-election under the APC, characterized the current peaceful atmosphere as unprecedented in the state's history. National Peace Committee Chairman Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented at the ceremony by Martin Luther Agwai, framed the accord as a collective commitment to free and fair elections and urged leaders to prioritize state stability over political ambition.