.... Commends INEC for a Good Exercise
.... Applauds Security Agencies for their Professionalism
..... Commends Citizens Peaceful and Orderly Conduct and Charges them to Sustain it
....Laments Opposition Political Parties Lacklustre Participation
A civil society organization, the Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) has commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the gubernatorial election held on Saturday 20th June 2026 in Ekiti State.
In a press statement e-signed by it's executive directors in persons of Nelson Ekujumi, Gbenga Soloki and Popoola Ajayi, the group "Commended the good people of Ekiti State for their peaceful and orderly conduct at the election as observed by its team of observers throughout the 16 local government councils areas of the State". Equally, "It urged the people to continue to keep the peace until the polls is concluded and a winner announced and declaration made by the electoral umpire as prescribed by law".
The group also commended INEC for it's personnel timely arrivals with materials at most polling stations which ensured that polls opened between 8.30 - 9.00am in about 98% of the polling stations in Ekiti State on election day.
However the group noted, that there were few instances of BVAS machines not functioning for accreditation in some polling stations, which delayed the commencement of the process, "But we note with satisfaction, that in the few polling stations where this incidents occurred, INEC ensured prompt replacement and extension of polls closing time to make up for the delayed start.
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) also applauded the security agencies for their efficient deployment, professionalism and neutrality which deepened the people's confidence in our democracy by the turnout of voters who came to exercise their franchise.
Regrettably, the group stated that, "We are saddened by the lacklustre participation of the remaining 13 political parties who contested the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election on paper, as their visibility prior to the elections through campaigns was unimpressive and almost none existent, coupled with the glaring absence of these political parties agents at the polls on election day, save for some few PDP party agents in some polling stations". "We are of the view that this poor attitude of the opposition parties participation will rub off on the total voters turnout for the election".
"This lacklustre participation by the opposition political parties made the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election a one horse race for the ruling party and incumbent Governor Oyebanji, unlike the fierce political rivalries that pervaded previous gubernatorial elections in Ekiti State, very sad and unfortunate".
The accredited media and observers organizations were equally commended for their professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of their functions on election day.
According to the group, "As we await the conclusion of the exercise with the announcement and declaration by INEC, the civil society organization charged the people of Ekiti State to remain peaceful as exemplified by their conduct during the election and refrain from any act that could cause a breach of public peace, law and order".
God bless Ekiti State,
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you,
Yours Sincerely,
Nelson Ekujumi,
Executive Director.
Popoola Ajayi
Co-Executive Director.
Gbenga Soloki,
Co-Executive Director.
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