By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has called for heightened vigilance against voter apathy, vote buying, misinformation, and other threats to electoral integrity ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.
In a pre-election assessment released through its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC), the democracy advocacy organisation described the Ekiti governorship poll as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
CDD noted that while the pre-election atmosphere in the state has remained largely peaceful, concerns persist over declining electoral competitiveness, voter disengagement, electoral inducement, and the impact of economic hardship on voter behaviour.
According to the report, no major incidents of political violence have been recorded, but the organisation warned stakeholders against complacency, stressing the need for security agencies to remain professional and impartial in preventing intimidation and disruptions during the election.
The Centre observed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) enters the race with significant advantages derived from incumbency, extensive political structures, broad elite endorsements, and a strong institutional presence across Ekiti State.
CDD said the level of cross-party support enjoyed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji is unprecedented in the state’s political history and reflects wider political realignments aimed at consolidating influence in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging that such political consensus could contribute to stability, the organisation cautioned that it raises concerns about the quality of electoral competition.
“A healthy democracy requires not only peaceful elections but also credible alternatives capable of providing voters with meaningful choices and strengthening democratic accountability,” the report stated.
The Centre further noted that opposition parties have struggled with internal divisions, organisational weaknesses, and limited coordination, factors it said have reduced the competitiveness that traditionally characterises elections in Ekiti State.
Economic hardship was also identified as a major issue influencing public discourse in the state.
Rising inflation, increasing cost of living, youth unemployment, and declining purchasing power continue to shape voter concerns, while incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in parts of the state have featured prominently during campaigns.
On electoral preparations, CDD commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for voter education efforts, PVC distribution, stakeholder engagements, deployment planning, and the testing of electoral technologies.
The organisation, however, urged the electoral body to ensure timely deployment of personnel and materials, maintain contingency plans for operational and technological challenges, and guarantee the effective functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
CDD expressed particular concern over the persistent threat of vote buying, describing it as one of the greatest dangers to Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
The organisation warned that worsening economic conditions have increased voter vulnerability to inducement and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), security agencies, and election officials to closely monitor and sanction electoral bribery and other forms of voter inducement.
The group also urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
In addition, CDD lamented the continued underrepresentation of women in elective politics, noting that the absence of female governorship candidates in the election highlights persistent structural barriers to women’s political participation.
As Ekiti residents prepare to cast their votes, the organisation called on citizens to participate peacefully, reject vote buying, verify information before sharing it, and exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
“The credibility of the election will ultimately depend not only on the conduct of electoral institutions but also on the commitment of political actors and citizens to democratic values and electoral integrity,” the report stated.
In a statement accompanying the assessment, Communications Officer Faridha Salihu-Lukman stressed the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the electoral process.
“All stakeholders must therefore play their part in ensuring that the election is peaceful, credible, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the people,” she said.
The statement was signed by Dauda Garuba, PhD, Director of CDD-West Africa, and Professor Victor Adetula, Chair of the CDD Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC).
