As voters across Ekiti State prepare to elect a new governor today, the three major contenders in the race—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have expressed strong confidence in their chances, setting the stage for a keenly contested election across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The governorship election, which will be decided by 1,059,360 registered voters, has generated heightened political activity and intense campaigning in recent weeks, with each of the leading parties projecting victory despite differing assessments of their strengths on the ground.
APC Targets Sweeping Victory
The ruling APC has set an ambitious target of securing victory in all 16 local government areas, all 177 wards, and the state’s 2,445 polling units.
Speaking ahead of the poll, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the party was aiming for more than 500,000 votes and was optimistic about recording a historic landslide.
According to him, the party’s focus is not merely on winning but on achieving a decisive mandate that would reflect widespread public support.
“We are looking at winning all 16 local governments, all 177 wards, and all 2,445 polling units. Our target is to secure over 500,000 votes and surpass that figure,” Dipe stated.
He maintained that the party had no fears going into the election, insisting that its campaign efforts and grassroots support positioned it strongly for victory.
PDP, ADC Predict Major Upsets
Despite the APC’s confidence, opposition parties insist the contest remains open.
The ADC, through its State Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, said the party was banking on the goodwill of voters and remained confident of emerging victorious despite concerns over incumbency advantage and alleged vote-buying.
Adebayo argued that a significant number of voters would prioritize conscience over inducements and predicted that the ADC would secure victories in at least 10 local government areas.
“If the election is determined by the will of the people, we are confident of success. Not all voters are susceptible to inducement, and many still vote according to their convictions,” he said.
Similarly, the PDP expressed optimism about its electoral prospects.
Director of Media for the PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Sanya Atofarati, claimed the party was comfortably positioned to win the election, citing widespread support across the state.
He asserted that the PDP was leading in at least 10 local government areas and projected that the party would secure approximately 60 percent of the votes cast.
Atofarati also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain impartial and ensure a credible process.
“This election is important not only for Ekiti State but also as a significant indicator ahead of the 2027 general elections. We expect all institutions involved to act fairly and professionally,” he said.
Over 7,000 Party Agents to Monitor Poll
The major political parties have also announced extensive monitoring arrangements, with more than 7,000 party agents expected to be deployed across the state.
The APC disclosed plans to station agents in each of the 2,445 polling units, while the PDP said it would deploy over 2,000 agents.
ADC officials similarly confirmed that the party would maintain representation across all polling units to monitor voting and collation processes.
In addition to party agents, several civil society organisations and election observer groups have mobilised personnel to independently monitor the conduct of the election.
Residents Express Readiness for Poll
Across Ado Ekiti and other major towns, residents appeared prepared for the election as commercial activities increased on the eve of voting.
Markets witnessed increased patronage as residents stocked up on essential items ahead of movement restrictions, while transport hubs recorded heightened travel activity as voters returned to their communities to participate in the exercise.
Government offices and schools remained closed following the public holiday declared by the state government to enable workers and eligible voters prepare for the election.
Many residents who spoke with journalists expressed optimism that the election would be peaceful.
A civil servant, Adijat Akanmu, said she was prepared to cast her vote despite concerns about limited voter mobilisation by political parties.
“I am ready to vote and I expect a peaceful election. From all indications, the process should be orderly,” she said.
Similarly, a commercial driver, Seun Olatunji, said he was travelling to Ikogosi to vote, reflecting the determination of many residents to participate in the electoral process.
Police Assure Maximum Security
The Nigeria Police Force has assured voters, electoral officials and political stakeholders of comprehensive security arrangements before, during and after the election.
The supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the election, Mustapha Fayoade, said security agencies had made robust preparations to guarantee a peaceful process.
He urged officers deployed for election duty to maintain professionalism and operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police overseeing election security, Abayomi Shogunle, stated that all necessary security measures had been put in place and that officers were fully prepared for the exercise.
According to him, election materials and personnel would be escorted by security operatives, while polling units would be set up early to facilitate prompt commencement of voting.
Authorities also warned individuals planning to disrupt the election to stay away, stressing that anyone found engaging in violence or electoral malpractice would face the full weight of the law.
Movement Restrictions Announced
To prevent potential disruptions, the police announced a restriction on vehicular movement across Ekiti State from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day.
The restriction covers both intra-state and inter-state movement and applies to private and commercial vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles.
The police further prohibited the movement of political office holders and other VIPs with armed escorts around polling units and collation centres.
According to the Ekiti State Police Command spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, the measure is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may seek to interfere with the electoral process.
NSCDC Deploys 5,500 Personnel
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 5,500 personnel across the state to complement police and other security agencies.
Director of Operations, Philip Ayuba, said personnel had been assigned not only to election duties but also to the protection of critical infrastructure, including telecommunications facilities, power installations and public institutions.
He added that intelligence officers had been strategically deployed to identify and address potential security threats before they could affect the election.
EU Observation Hub Calls for Transparency
Meanwhile, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has urged INEC to maintain strict neutrality and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The observer group, which includes organisations such as Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre and International Press Centre, emphasised the importance of ensuring the effective deployment and operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The group warned that technical failures could undermine public confidence and called for seamless electronic transmission of results to enhance transparency.
Observers described the election as a crucial test of Nigeria’s revised electoral framework under the Electoral Act 2026 and urged INEC to ensure prompt deployment of personnel and election materials, transparent collation procedures and real-time result transmission.
With security agencies on high alert, political parties deploying thousands of agents, and civil society groups monitoring the process, all eyes are now on Ekiti State as voters head to the polls in an election widely viewed as an important political indicator ahead of the 2027 general elections.
