INEC Begins Distribution Of Sensitive Materials For Ekiti Governorship Election As Security Agencies Step Up Preparations

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Ahead of Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials across the state, as security agencies deploy thousands of personnel and the Nigerian Air Force confirms the successful airlift of electoral materials from Abuja to designated locations nationwide. The materials were distributed at the Central Bank of Nigeria premises along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in the presence of security agencies, electoral officials, and party representatives, marking a crucial milestone in the final countdown to the June 20 poll.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, confirmed that the commission would begin the movement of sensitive materials to the 16 local government areas on Thursday, according to The PUNCH. The materials include ballot papers, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, and voter registers, among other election components required for the conduct of the poll. Omoseyindemi reiterated the commission's readiness for the exercise, insisting that all necessary arrangements had been concluded. “We (INEC) have done most of the things we need to do,” the REC said. He had earlier assured stakeholders that the commission was fully prepared to conduct a transparent, credible and acceptable election, adding that voting would commence promptly at polling units across the state. The REC also disclosed that non-sensitive materials had already been distributed ahead of the election.

The movement of sensitive materials marks a crucial stage in the commission's election timetable and is expected to be closely monitored by political parties, election observers, and security agencies. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that it had successfully airlifted sensitive electoral materials on behalf of INEC. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was conducted between June 15 and 16 following a request by the electoral commission. According to him, the mission was designed to guarantee the secure and timely transportation of election materials from Abuja to designated locations across the country.

Ejodame explained that the operation covered preparations for the Ekiti governorship election as well as senatorial by-elections in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, Nasarawa North Senatorial District of Nasarawa State, and Rivers South-East Senatorial District of Rivers State. The airlift also supported federal constituency by-elections in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency of Kano State and Zuru/Shanga Federal Constituency of Kebbi State. Ejodame stated that the Air Force deployed its strategic airlift assets to transport the materials from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to designated airports in Enugu, Rivers, and Kano states, ensuring that INEC received the materials within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections. Leveraging its strategic airlift capabilities, the NAF transported the sensitive electoral materials from Abuja to designated airports, ensuring that INEC received the materials within the stipulated timeline ahead of the elections.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and dedication of NAF personnel involved in the operation, noting that the successful airlift underscores the Service's unwavering commitment to supporting democratic institutions and national development. Aneke reaffirmed the NAF's readiness to continue to provide timely and effective support to civil authorities in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in defence of the nation.

Security agencies have rolled out extensive measures to prevent violence and maintain order before, during, and after the election. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps announced the deployment of 10,000 officers and men across Ekiti State, drawn from several commands including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun, and Kogi states. The corps said specialised units, including intelligence teams, tactical squads, female officers, mining marshals, special forces, and K9 units, had also been deployed to address potential security threats. The Nigeria Police Force said it had activated an election security framework involving intelligence gathering, strategic deployment, and coordination with other agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. Police authorities said the measures were designed to protect voters, election officials, journalists, observers, and critical infrastructure while tackling threats such as political violence, thuggery, cult activities, and misinformation.

Ahead of possible post-election disputes, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has constituted the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The tribunal, which will sit at the National Industrial Court premises in Ado-Ekiti, is expected to handle petitions arising from the outcome of Saturday's election. Civil society organisation TAF Africa said it would deploy 150 election observers across the state and provide 25 sign language interpreters to support voters with hearing impairments. The organisation said its observers would use a dedicated election monitoring application to provide real-time updates from polling units, particularly those with large numbers of persons with disabilities.

Ekiti voters are expected to elect a governor from among candidates fielded by 13 political parties contesting the poll across the state's 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units. The election is widely regarded as a significant political test ahead of the 2027 general election, with stakeholders calling for a peaceful, transparent, and credible process. The Nigerian Air Force said the successful completion of the mission further highlights the NAF's critical role in supporting national institutions and strengthening democratic processes, noting that aid to civil authority operations is one of the constitutional responsibilities of the armed forces and enables the NAF to contribute to governance, stability, and national development. The NAF said the mission also demonstrated the versatility of its air power in advancing national objectives while sustaining ongoing security operations across multiple theatres.

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