Ekiti Poll: Food Items Being Distributed Ahead of Election – YIAGA Africa

YIAGA Africa has alleged that food items and other inducements are being distributed ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The Head of Knowledge Management and Learning at the organisation, Safiya Bichi, made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday.

According to Bichi, reports from the field indicate that various items are being shared with voters ahead of the election.

“Items such as rice, money, Indomie, and various food products are being distributed, along with promises made ahead of the election,” she said.

She noted that the competitiveness of the election would largely depend on voter turnout, urging residents, particularly young people, to participate actively in the electoral process.

Bichi also challenged the widespread perception that votes do not count in Nigeria’s elections.

“There exists a common narrative in Nigeria, not limited to Ekiti, suggesting that your vote is inconsequential, and we are urging young individuals to recognize that their votes do matter.

“If votes were insignificant, there would be no one attempting to purchase them, and these are some of the messages we are using to reassure and motivate citizens to participate in our electoral process,” she added.

Her remarks come as Ekiti State prepares for the governorship election slated for June 20, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured voters, political parties and other stakeholders of the commission’s readiness to conduct a peaceful, transparent and credible election.

Amupitan stated that all necessary arrangements had been concluded ahead of the poll.

INEC also disclosed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State has increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026.