The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful conduct of the June 20 governorship election.

Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti, made the appeal on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during a stakeholders’ meeting with the state’s monarchs. She emphasized the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the polls.

Dr. Omoseyindemi highlighted the crucial role of traditional institutions in fostering unity and stability, noting that the voices of monarchs carry significant influence within their communities and across the state. She added that the continued commitment of stakeholders to peace has strengthened democratic governance in Ekiti.

“INEC has initiated early and comprehensive planning to promote informed participation and ensure that the Ekiti election is free, fair, credible, inclusive, peaceful, and well-secured, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the Electoral Act 2022, as amended,” she stated.

The REC also noted that political parties have been engaged, with guidelines issued on participation and campaign conduct.

“We have met with political parties and provided them with guidelines on campaign conduct. By learning from past experiences, we aim to improve our processes and meet the expectations of the people of Ekiti,” Dr. Omoseyindemi said.

Appealing directly to the monarchs, she added: “The success of elections in our state is a shared responsibility. We count on your support to promote peace, discourage violence, ensure compliance with electoral laws, and foster unity before, during, and after the elections. As fathers of the land, your guidance is instrumental in making Ekiti a model of peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria.”

Dr. Omoseyindemi also sought the traditional rulers’ support for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, urging them to encourage eligible residents in their communities to register.

“Your voices carry weight, and your endorsement will enhance public confidence and voter turnout,” she said.

She explained that the CVR exercise allows citizens aged 18 and above to register, as well as registered voters to transfer their registration, update personal details, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards. Plans have been concluded to take the exercise to the ward level starting Monday, February 2, to increase accessibility and inclusion.

“This initiative brings registration centres closer to the people, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas. It will eliminate distance barriers, reduce overcrowding, and encourage greater participation,” Dr. Omoseyindemi explained.

Responding, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, assured that monarchs would continue to play active roles in promoting peaceful elections in the state.

“So far, Ekiti has experienced no major issues, and we are committed to maintaining that record. All the royal fathers are united, and this year’s election will be peaceful, just like the previous ones. You have our support,” he said, adding that traditional rulers would continue to engage their communities to promote harmony.

Earlier, INEC published the names of the 12 political parties participating in the Ekiti election, along with their governorship candidates and deputies. The commission also announced that public campaigns began on January 21, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the election timetable.