The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 96 domestic and two foreign observer groups for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, announced this on Wednesday, adding that the accredited organisations include civil society groups, professional bodies and institutions with expertise in election observation, governance, human rights, gender advocacy, youth development and peacebuilding.
Prominent among the groups, according to Eta-Messi, are the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa, Yiaga Africa, CLEEN Foundation, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Nigerian Bar Association, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, and Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigeria, among others.
She said “the presence of accredited observers is in line with the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” adding that observer groups play a critical role in enhancing public confidence in elections through independent assessment of procedures and outcomes.
The commission “urged all accredited organisations to adhere strictly to the guidelines for election observation and to conduct their activities in a non-partisan and professional manner.”
