CSOs question INEC’s preparedness for Ekiti guber poll, say funding delay threatens exercise

Seven Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have scored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) low, rating its preparedness for the upcoming Ekiti State off-cycle governorship election at just 34 percent as of April 14, 2026. The coalition—which includes Yiaga Africa, the International Press Centre (IPC), The Kukah Centre, the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), ElectHER, […]

Seven Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have scored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) low, rating its preparedness for the upcoming Ekiti State off-cycle governorship election at just 34 percent as of April 14, 2026.
The coalition—which includes Yiaga Africa, the International Press Centre (IPC), The Kukah Centre, the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), ElectHER, the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), and TAF Africa—warned that delays in election funding have exposed structural vulnerabilities severe enough to undermine the credibility of the exercise if left unaddressed.
According to the groups, these lingering issues could jeopardize efforts to deliver a transparent, credible, peaceful, and inclusive election in the state next month on June 20.
The CSOs made these declarations during a media briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where they publicly presented the “Pre-Election Assessment Report: 2026 Ekiti State Off-Cycle Governorship Election.”
The lead speakers, Dr. Akin Akingbulu and Samson Itodo, emphasized that the Ekiti State governorship election represents a critical milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and will serve as a major forerunner to the 2027 General Elections.
“An effectively uncontested political space, zero female candidates across 13 political parties, and a media environment partially suppressed by a punitive levy are not the hallmarks of a conducive electoral environment,” they warned. “They are warning signs, and this report names them as such.”
The coalition further stressed that the integrity of the poll hinges on more than just security. “The credibility of the election will be determined not by the absence of violence alone, but by the transparency, inclusiveness, and public acceptance of the outcome.”

The election observation hub called on all stakeholders to act decisively to consolidate the gains identified in the report and mitigate outstanding risks.

Specifically, they urged INEC to ensure the timely release and effective utilization of election funds to complete pending pre-election activities, including the rehabilitation of State and Local Government Area (LGA) offices, Registration Area Centres (RACs), and collation centers.