Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Date: June 19, 2026

As the citizens of Ekiti State prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, 2026, to elect their next governor, the CLEEN Foundation issues this pre-election statement to guide stakeholders, security agencies, and the general public. In line with our mandate to promote election security management, CLEEN Foundation has actively monitored the pre-election environment and will be fully observing the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election through the deployment of CLEEN Foundation trained Election Observers accredited by INEC & Launch of the ESSC to ensure an unbiased assessment of security conduct and overall electoral integrity.

CLEEN Foundation has successfully trained her dedicated election observers who will be deployed across the length and breadth of the state. Furthermore, the CLEEN Foundation will officially open its Election Security Support Centre (ESSC) at the Fabian Hotel in Ado-Ekiti.

The ESSC will function as a central data hub on Election Day, operating in real-time to receive, verify, and document security and procedural incidents from our field observers across all the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State.

Recall that the Security Threat Assessment Findings released by CLEEN Foundation revealed mixed indicators across the state. While the political atmosphere has remained relatively stable, our data identified specific flashpoint areas—particularly around localized borders and historically competitive constituencies that require sustained monitoring to prevent late-stage disruptions, cult-related clashes, or political thuggery.

We urge all security personnel to deploy intelligence-driven tactics to neutralize these risks and safeguard vulnerable polling units, collation centers, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) personnel.

CLEEN Foundation commends CP. Abayomi Shogunle’s proactive management of the Ekiti security situation specifically his strategic decision to cancel the traditional Police Show of Force. By scaling back aggressive, high-visibility tactical convoys, he has effectively reduced public anxiety and voter apprehension across Ekiti communities. This thoughtful shift, combined with an airtight, multi-layered election security framework, is instrumental in reassuring citizens that the security presence is meant to protect, rather than intimidate, thereby paving the way for improved voter turnout.

Similarly, CLEEN Foundation wish to appreciate the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ekiti state Police Command for his active participation, collaborative spirit, and professionalism ahead of this election. The prompt release of official emergency police contacts for the election is highly commendable. This proactive measure provides voters, observers, and civil society actors with clear channels to report urgent field issues, drastically enhancing public safety communication.

CLEEN Foundation commends the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for the extensive training and strategic deployment of adequate personnel across the state.

Crucially, a motivated security force is foundational to ethical policing. CLEEN Foundation highly commends the police authorities for prioritizing the welfare of frontline officers for optimal performance and minimizes field vulnerabilities, boosts morale, and reinforces professional conduct strictly within the bounds of the Electoral Act.

To the resilient people of Ekiti State, the stage is set for a peaceful democratic exercise as majority 88% of Ekiti residents expect the election to be peaceful. CLEEN Foundation strongly encourages all eligible, registered voters to come out en masse tomorrow, June 20, to cast their ballots without fear. Your security is prioritized, your vote is your power, and your peaceful participation is vital to sustaining democratic governance in Ekiti State.

Signed,

Peter Maduoma
Executive Director
CLEEN Foundation