By Samuel Sunday
Transport unions in Ekiti State have assured the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and residents of their readiness to ensure the smooth movement of election personnel and materials for Saturday’s June 20, 2026 governorship election.
The assurance was given on Wednesday during a media briefing by the leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, as preparations intensify.
Speaking on behalf of the RTEAN Chairman, Hon. Dare Bukola Ibitoye II, the union’s Secretary, Comrade Adeola Sunday, said all vehicles to be deployed for election duties had been registered with INEC and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC.
He disclosed that 32 vehicles have been registered across the 16 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and that drivers would undergo training before deployment. Operations, he said, will commence on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Adeola warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the election would be held accountable for their actions.
He also dismissed reports that opposition parties were unable to mobilize supporters due to a shortage of buses, describing the claim as false. He explained that many transport operators depend on daily earnings to meet financial obligations and would continue their legitimate businesses.
The Ekiti State Chairman of NURTW, Chief Ambassador Joseph Falope, expressed confidence that the election would be peaceful. He said transport workers would assist in distributing sensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria to designated locations across the state.
“Our efforts are geared towards ensuring a credible and successful electoral process,” Chief Falope said.
Comrade Adeola also said RTEAN had endorsed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji based on his performance and efforts to unite transport unions in the state. He added that the governor had resolved long-standing disputes and fostered cooperation between transport unions and motorcycle operators, creating an atmosphere of peace and stability.
