By Anthony Olajide
Stakeholders in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have called for peaceful conduct and increased voter turnout ahead of the Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections scheduled for December 12, 2026.
The call was made on Tuesday, October 27, during a sensitization meeting organised by the State Independent Electoral Commission at the Secretariat Hall, Ikere-Ekiti.
The meeting, which held between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., brought together traditional rulers and their representatives, political party leaders, security personnel, market leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders to educate residents on the electoral process and the need for peaceful participation.
The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Justice Cornelius Ilori Akintayo (Rtd), was represented by the Executive Secretary, Barrister Adeboyega Morakinyo, and the Director of Logistics and Field Services, Mr. Vincent Jegede.
The sensitisation began with a drama presentation on the electoral process, after which the Commission emphasized the requirements for declaring a winner, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes cast as provided under the relevant electoral law, and urged eligible voters to turn out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice.
Speaking on security arrangements, the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Aware Isaac, assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election, warning that anyone who attempts to disrupt the process or breach public peace would be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Olukere of Ikere Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Ganiyu Obasanyin, appealed to residents to maintain peace and unity, stressing that political differences should not divide the community. He urged residents to see themselves as members of one family regardless of political affiliations, and expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded by Ikere-Ekiti in previous elections despite its voting strength.
Corroborating him, the Ogoga of Ikere, His Royal Majesty Oba Adejimi Adu, also called for active participation, peace and transparency throughout the process and urged community leaders to intensify mobilisation through churches, mosques, associations and other social groups.
Political party representatives also spoke. The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikere Local Government expressed confidence in his party’s preparedness and readiness for a peaceful contest without expectation of special favours. The representative of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), however, expressed reservations over the perceived independence of the Commission, alleging possible pressure from the state government to favour the APC.
Responding, the Executive Secretary, Barrister Morakinyo, reaffirmed the Commission’s independence, assuring that neither the Governor, Deputy Governor nor any government official could dictate electoral outcomes or interfere with its statutory responsibilities, and pledged commitment to a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
Market leaders, including the Iyaloja and Iyalaje, also pledged support for peace and voter mobilisation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Squadron Leader Olu Adamolekun, commended the Commission for the sensitisation exercise and praised the Electoral Officer, Mr. Anthony Olajide Ajayi, for his professionalism.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Ajayi appreciated participants for their attendance and support, and appealed for sustained collaboration among the Commission, security agencies, political parties, traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure a peaceful and credible poll on December 12.
