The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, on Wednesday pledged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and fairness in all the processes before, during and after the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
He charged political parties in the state to “adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, particularly in the conduct of their primaries, submission of candidates and campaigns in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines”.
The REC gave the charge in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a meeting with political parties, where he officially served notice of the Ekiti State 2026 governorship election to them.
He said that the exercise was in compliance with the Electoral Act which mandated INEC to issue a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election.
INEC had last month fixed July 20 for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The REC said, “This meeting is both symbolic and strategic. It marks the beginning of the electoral process and it also provides an opportunity for engagement with political parties, the media and other stakeholders on our collective responsibilities in ensuring a credible, inclusive and peaceful electoral process.
“The Notice of Election, which will be published today at the INEC State Office and all local government area offices in Ekiti State, serves as the official kick-off of activities as contained in the timetable and schedule that will be released immediately after this meeting.
“On Friday, 30th May, 2025, in compliance with the law, the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the commission’s approval of the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. The four-year tenure of the governors in the two states will end next year.”
Omoseyindemi, who charged the media on professionalism and objectivity in reporting the electoral process, assured that INEC would deliver “a free, fair and credible election”.
The Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council, Ekiti State Chapter, Daramola Owoola, who spoke on behalf of the political parties in attendance, hailed the REC for the meeting.
Owoola said, “INEC is showing us that it is going to be transparent in the election. On our part as political parties, we will try as much as possible to have cordial and harmonised programmes toward the forthcoming election so that it will be hitch-free and fair to all concerned.”
The Punch
