The Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, Ekiti State Chapter, has urged residents to vote peacefully in the June 20 governorship election as it commemorates the 2026 anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 8, 2026, and signed by the Coordinator, Chief Bunmi Akanbi Awotiku, the group described the June 12 election as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. It said the poll reflected a rejection of ethnicity, religion, and bigotry, but was annulled by the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
ARG said the struggle to validate June 12 led to the death of several pro-democracy activists, including Pa Abraham Adesanya, Pa Alfred Rewane, and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. The group also acknowledged the contributions of its National Chairman, Hon. Olawale Oshun; former Ekiti Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Nigeria’s democratic process.
The group said this year’s commemoration in Ekiti would be solemn and held in solidarity with communities affected by recent bandit attacks in the state and the South West.
ARG encouraged Ekiti residents to participate in the June 20 election to promote “peace, progress, and prosperity” in the spirit of June 12. It commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for aligning with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, and expressed support for his administration’s efforts to develop the state.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that every vote counts, and urged residents to reject thuggery, vandalism of electoral materials, and other forms of electoral violence.
“Let the citizens come out to vote peacefully,” the statement said.
